Reel Fish Real Fun Kids Event

It's the third year I participated in the Reel Fishing Real Fun Kids Carp Fishing Event at Ann Arbor's Gallup Park on June 10th hosted by the Michigan Carp Anglers.

We caught some fish, made new friends and, hopefully, introduced carp fishing to a future generation of carp anglers.

Some liked to participate hands-on. Some liked to watch from a distance. Others preferred to get up close and personal after the carp was landed and unhooked.

Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun.

Carping in Detroit Metro

It was a day with two firsts: 

1) goldfish (I caught a koi in the same spot several years ago), and 

2) mirror carp over 22 pounds (an ounce or two shy of 23#).

I believe this is my personal best mirror from any venue. I have caught very few mirrors ever.

Urban Carping in Motorcity U.S.A.

After a nice outing last weekend and landing a nice fish just shy of 23# we decided to try it again today.

It was a day filled with boaters, a jet skier, ducks, a squirrel that ventured a little too close, and an unexpected visit from Mrs. Michigan Carp Fishing. 

We haven't had any significant rain in more than a week, so that coupled with warmer weather and sunshine triggered a massive algae bloom in our river of choice for spring fishing.

After a few small carp I noticed a lot of activity near a bridge in our swim. I've tried fishing in that area several times and it often ends in a snag and with a lost fish. But not today!

Urban Carp Fishing in May

Let's talk about knots. I have a reminder based on an experience I had on Saturday.

At one point while fishing on Saturday I had to tie on a new in-line lead. The scissors I've been using have become progressively dull and while trimming the excess braid it took a few attempts. That caused a fraying on the braid and it was cut shorter than usual. (I typically leave an 1/8" or so.)

I should have cut and re-tied but I wanted to re-cast quickly since the fish were biting.

To shorten this story, I hooked the 6th fish, fought it awhile and reeled in the line with no fish, no hook and no lead.

Three possibilities I can think of:

1) I hooked a pike or small muskie 

2) My lazy knot tieing caused the knot to slip a little and ultimately fail

3) Something like a razor blade or lawn shears magically appeared in the water between casts and snagged me causing a cut-off

I lean more towards #2. 

Learn from my mistake, double check your knot and leave a little extra in case it slips.

Here are some photos of fish that did manage to land in the net.

First Catches of 2023: A Buffalo and a Carp

 First catches of 2023.

Common carp

Smallmouth buffalo

7 Things I Learned From Fishing

1. The Power of Positive Thinking

2. Setting Goals for Success

3. Building Resilience

4. The Importance of Patience

5. Embracing Failure

6. Appreciating the Little Things

7. The Connection to Nature

Books About Urban Fishing

The weather this season has been challenging and its causing a delay in my carp fishing efforts.

I have learned that it's difficult to catch fish until water temperatures rise above 40 degrees.

I've used the extra time to do a little reading. 

I recently finished "A River Runs Through It". It's about fly fishing, but a lot of it applies to fishing in general. 

Here is a list of books about urban fishing:

1. Fishing in the City: A Guide to Urban Fishing" by Melinda Allen: This book is a comprehensive guide to urban fishing, with tips on gear, techniques, and locations to fish in cities across the United States.

2. "The Urban Angler: How to Catch Fish in Any City" by Alan Batt: This book offers practical advice for fishing in urban environments, including tips on selecting gear, finding fish, and dealing with obstacles such as pollution and crowds.

3. "Urban Fishing: The Complete Guide to Fishing in Town" by Shaun Leonard: This book explores the history and culture of urban fishing, as well as providing tips and advice for anglers looking to fish in urban areas.

4. "Urban Angling: Fishing the Streets, Rivers, and Canals of the World" by Ian Chillag and The World Fishing Network: This book features stories and photographs of urban anglers around the world, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of fishing in cities.

5. "Trout in the Desert: On Fly Fishing, Human Habits, and the Cold Waters of the Arid Southwest" by Matthew Dickerson: This book is not specifically about urban fishing, but it explores the intersection of human development and fishing in the arid Southwest, where water resources are scarce and often hotly contested. It offers insights into the challenges of fishing in urban and suburban environments where development has altered natural water systems.

Fishing Wisdom

These two quotes are from "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Maclean.

This is a sentiment I try to remind myself of on those days when it's raining outside and I am having trouble convincing myself to go ahead and fish in spite of the rain.

Similar to the top quote, this second one conveys to me that the perfect time go fishing is any time we have a few hours to spare.

Fishing is hard sometimes. It's not called "catching".  The weather isn't always 72 degrees with sunshine and a barely perceptible breeze the way I like it.

You can't catch'em on the couch! (as my friend is fond of saying).

Books About Fishing

As I patiently await the arrival of consistent weather patterns and local water temperatures that exceed 39 degrees, I've been exploring some authors who write about fishing. 

I started with Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It". Somehow I've never watched the movie, but the book is pretty good so far.

Although I grew up on a rural farm, in a rural state I no longer have the luxury of pristine waters and scenery within a short bicycle ride.

So I've been checking out writers who write about urban fishing environments. Has anyone read any of these listed below, or have other suggestions?

I don't need a primer on "how to fish" but some stories about fishing in urban environments would be cool. I do it alot myself, and plan to do a lot more. 

Here are a few I have found so far:

• Fishing in the City: A Guide to Urban Fishing" by Melinda Allen: This book is a comprehensive guide to urban fishing, with tips on gear, techniques, and locations to fish in cities across the United States.

• "The Urban Angler: How to Catch Fish in Any City" by Alan Batt: This book offers practical advice for fishing in urban environments, including tips on selecting gear, finding fish, and dealing with obstacles such as pollution and crowds.

• "Urban Fishing: The Complete Guide to Fishing in Town" by Shaun Leonard: This book explores the history and culture of urban fishing, as well as providing tips and advice for anglers looking to fish in urban areas.

• "Urban Angling: Fishing the Streets, Rivers, and Canals of the World" by Ian Chillag and The World Fishing Network: This book features stories and photographs of urban anglers around the world, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of fishing in cities.

• "Trout in the Desert: On Fly Fishing, Human Habits, and the Cold Waters of the Arid Southwest" by Matthew Dickerson: This book is not specifically about urban fishing, but it explores the intersection of human development and fishing in the arid Southwest, where water resources are scarce and often hotly contested.

Will You Join My Team?

The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. And it's the day the Alzheimer's Association calls on everyone to fight Alzheimer's disease by raising funds and awareness for care, support and research.

This June, I'm participating in The Longest Day and will be carp fishing to stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer's.

Will you join my team and fundraise with me?

Together, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of Alzheimer's.

Thank you for your support!

Brian

Visit my page: http://act.alz.org/goto/michigancarpanglers

Places Around Detroit to Catch Carp

I decided to see what advice ChatGPT has to give for carp fishing near Detroit. 

Here is the response I received to the question - What are the top 6 best carp fishing spots within 50 miles of Detroit Michigan?

Based on historical data and recommendations, here are some of the best carp fishing spots within 50 miles of Detroit, Michigan:

Lake St. Clair - Located on the border of Michigan and Ontario, Lake St. Clair is known for its large carp population and has been a popular fishing spot for many years.

Detroit River - The Detroit River is a prime location for carp fishing and is known for its big carp catches. The river is accessible from various locations in the Detroit area.

Stony Creek Metropark - Located in Shelby Township, Michigan, Stony Creek Metropark is a great location for carp fishing. The park features a large lake with good access for fishing.

Kensington Metropark - Located in Milford, Michigan, Kensington Metropark is home to Kent Lake, which is known for its carp fishing. The lake has a variety of different carp species and is a popular destination for anglers.

Lower Rouge River - Located in the southwestern suburbs of Detroit, the Lower Rouge River is a popular location for carp fishing. The river is accessible from various locations, and many anglers have reported good catches here.

Clinton River - The Clinton River is located in southeastern Michigan and is a great location for carp fishing. The river is accessible from various locations, and many anglers have reported good catches of carp.

Remember to always follow local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before fishing in these locations.

Additionally, it's a good idea to check current fishing conditions and weather forecasts before planning a trip.

Carp Hooks

I recently placed my semi-annual bulk carp fishing supplies order.  

I like the Gamakatzu line of carp hooks, but since they weren't available I ordered these Gardner wide gaps. I used the Gardner hooks last year a lot and they do not bend easily. 

I do have a lot of Korda hooks already and I recommend you order the "X" version of Korda hooks because the basic version are not strong enough and will often bend when you wish they wouldn't.

Outside of the rod you use and water you're fishing in, the hook is near the top of a list of critical items needed to catch carp consistently. 

Choose your hooks wisely.

The Longest Day Fishing Fundraiser Benefitting Alzheimer's Association

Here's the link to "The Longest Day" Alzheimer's Fundraiser on Jun 21st. 

We will fish and raise money for a great cause. Join the team at the link below, donate, or just stop by and say hello. 

Donate, Sign-Up or Join Our Team

Anyone interested in teaming up on it with me? You can join the team via the link.

************************************

It's Wednesday, June 21st, the longest day of the year. 

It's a great cause. You'd be hard pressed to find someone older than 25 years old who hasn't been touched by this disease in some way (grandparent, aunt, parent, sibling, etc).

T-Shirts are $20 and available at time of registration.

My wife sent this to me from the Alzheimer's Association. 

It's a great cause. You'd be hard pressed to find someone older than 25 years old who hasn't been touched by this disease in some way (grandparent, aunt, parent, sibling, etc).

We could even do a East Michigan vs. West Michigan challenge if there's interest in doing it. T-Shirts are $20 and available at time of registration.

Let me know if you're interested. If we get 5 or 6 who are and settle on a venue, I'll set up the group and share the link.

If you prefer to set up your own team directly, here's the link:  The Longest Day Sign-Up

Ann Arbor Botanical Gardens

Some koi at the University of Michigan botanical gardens.

There's also a cool bonsai exhibit to see too.

How to Edit Carp Fishing Photos

It's amazing what a simple cell phone and a free photo app can do to edit carp fishing photos.

Here's a demo of some editing I did this afternoon using Snapseed with a very typical carp that can be caught in most any public fishing area where I live.

You can take a very average fish and below average photo to make something interesting and convey a different mood to create something more interesting.

This is the original photo from my Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphone.

I used a Snapseed filter as a first step.

I used Snapseed to brighten the colors and crop it to remove distracting objects.

I used a different filter to tone down the bright colors. Then I adjusted the crop a little more.

I brightened my face so it was lighter.

Most of the time I would have been quite happy with photo #3, but in the end I think #5 is my favorite.

It's easy to overdo it, but on cold days when its too cold for carp fishing playing around with photos is fun.