AdeptAngling

The GEO Report: February 28, 2012 Last of February Black Crappie Along the Chicago River

2012-02-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

Headed out after work today in hopes of angling a large Mouth bass which has cleverly eluded me this past winter with only one to show for 12 outings, All outings using lures capable of catching Bass. With a new game plan in mind changes are imminent. In the Mean time this evening I threw Both hard and soft Minnow Baits, as well as Spinner baits even tried mimicking crayfish with a variety of artificials. I did manage a few Crappie that where eager enough to chomp down my 3" soft bodied shad lure. Tomorrows a new Day, Month Even. :)

Please Don't Litter
Please catch and Release

Happy Fishing!

GEO

<((><

The GEO Report: January 30, 2012 Float and Jig fishing Black Crappie

2012-02-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

Temp: 38Wind: SW 15-20mphSky: Mostly CloudyWater: HighWater visibility: 2ftWell I eagerly anticipated this mornings outing, One of those nights where it was a little more difficult to fall asleep. The night before I sat up trying to figure out which set up I wanted to go with, And decided on the float and Hair jig setup. I've been using cheap green and white hair jigs lately, Thinking of heading back into making them again though.? Upon arrival ground frozen hard, Air still crisp. I made the trek to the NSC light on tackle which has been custom this year. It didn't take long to hook up, And I enjoyed myself a lot out there today! Been awhile with the floatHere's the VideoJanuary 30, 2012Total 7 Black Crappie.Please Practice Catch and Release Fishing!Please don't Litter!'12 Report Total: 40Happy Fishing!

Big Spring Smallie

2010-07-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

2010 Brief Intro.

2010-03-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

In 2010, I have no Huge Goals.

I plan on spending 4 Out of my 6 day weekly fishing Schedule at Lake Michigan. I Feel as My River fishing knowledge is fine, and I need to gather more on Lakes. I've invested tons of time already these past few months Getting my New fishing Show on youtube together, With a whole new look, Feel and name. I Can't wait for the release this spring. I Truly intend to post and keep up with my reports on a consistent Basis This season, Also being released with my videos. Although my videos wont be up to date when released my reports will Be the Day of.

Please Search youtube For:

ADEPT ANGLING

And in the Mean time I'll see you this spring.

- GEO

92 Consecutive days fishing chicago illinois in winter.

2009-12-30T06:27:00.000-08:00

[[ALL PROOF TO BACK IT :wink: ]]

This past Winter I decided to Try and Fish every single day of 2009. I started strong And Truly and genuinely never missed an outing until It unfortunately ended on April 2, 2009 Because -LIFE- got in the way. Along my Journey I documented my success and lack of here on Windycityfishing.com almost Daily.

My TRUE STATISTICS::

Worked part time: 30hrs week.

Fished during any available time I had.

used ONLY Artificial lures, Other then carp I used corn.
NO LIVE BAIT.

[b]
[color=#800000]Days: 92 Consecutive Days Straight.
Date: December 31, 2008 - April 1, 2009
Fish Caught: 257
Skunks: 27
Total AVG.: 2.7 FISH A DAY[/color][/b]

Along my journey I couldn't describe to you how much this 92 day straight on the water experience has benefited my angling style and made me more versatile then I ever thought I could be. A whole new sense of whats really going on beneath the surface.

In Old School "PERCH GUY" Fashion. :mrgreen: :wink:
I took the time To Gather each and every post.

Please feel free to check them out :mrgreen:
[b]
January slide Show[/b]

http://www.youtube.com/user/AdeptAngling#p/u/6/-onxoDpxPWc

[b]February slide show[/b]

http://www.youtube.com/user/AdeptAngling#p/u/3/dh02It-3J_w

[b]
March Slide Show[/b]

http://www.youtube.com/user/AdeptAngling#p/u/1/626MJpbV3Kk

[b][size=150]
Summery Slide show. BEST OF.[/size] [/b]

http://www.youtube.com/user/AdeptAngling#p/a/u/0/r8kOUfEevKE

[b]
DAY 1[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7122
[b]
DAY 2
[/b]
http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7132
[b]
DAY 3[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7143
[b]
DAY 4[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7147
[b]
DAY 5[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7159
[b]
DAY 6[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7161&p=64669#p64669

[b]
DAY 7[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7168
[b]
DAY 8[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7171

[b]
Day 9[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7178

[b]Day 10[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7186

[b]Day 11[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7194
[b]
Day 12[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7196
[b]
Day 13[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7198
[b]
Day 14[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7202
[b]
Day 15[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7207
[b]
Day 16[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7218

[b]Day 17[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7223
[b]
Day 18[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7235
[b]
Day 19[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7248

[b]
Day 20[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7265

[b]
Day 21[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7274

[b]
Day 22[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7284
[b]
Day 23[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7297

[b]
Day 24[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7303

[b]
Day 25[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7326

[b]
Day 26[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7336

[b]
Day 27
[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7340

[b]
Day 28[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7354

[b]
Day 29[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7365

[b]
Day 30[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7376

[b]
Day 31
[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7381

[b]
Day 32[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7385

[b]
Day 33[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7395

[b]
Day 34[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7408

[b]
Day 35
[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7418

[b]
Day 36[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7421
[b]
Day 37[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7432

[b]
Day 38[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7446
[b]
Day 39[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7452
[b]
Day 40[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7462
[b]
Day 41[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7476
[b]
Day 42[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7488
[b]
Day 43-44[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7505
[b]
Day 45[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7510
[b]
Day 46
[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7521
[b]
Day 47[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7529
[b]
Day 48[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7544
[b]
Day 49[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7559
[b]
Day 50[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7568
[b]
Day 51[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7583
[b]
Day 52[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7586
[b]
Day 53[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7591
[b]
Day 54-55[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7614
[b]
Day 56-57[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7624
[b]
Day 58-59[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7648
[b]
Day 60[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7672

[b]
Day 61[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7673

[b]
DAY 62[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7693
[b]
DAY 63[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7694

[b]
DAY 64- 65[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7716

[b]
DAY 66[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=7718
[b]
DAY 67-68-69[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7760
[b]
DAY 70[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7763
[b]
DAY 71[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7781
[b]
DAY 72[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7795
[b]
DAY 73[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7813
[b]
DAY 74[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7821
[b]
DAY 75-76-77-78[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7881
[b]
DAY 79-80[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7906
[b]
DAY 81-82[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7928
[b]
DAY 83-84-85[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7966
[b]
DAY 86-87-88[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=7999
[b]
Day 89-90-91-92[/b]

http://www.windycityfishing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=8040

- GEORGE WATFORD
-> GEO
Adept Angling
Chicago Illinois.

:mrgreen:

Sort of a ramble. ->REAL<-

2009-12-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

More then ever this season, I've learned your actions dictate certain situations. And those situations are going to cause certain reactions. And it's those REACTIONS I want to emphasize on.

For me to get through to everyone, is impossible. But if Anyone could. Why NOT I.

My grandfather, introducing me to fishing 17 years ago this past June. And my lone fishing partner for at least 14 of them. As inspirational as he was, And THE only one I looked up to. He introduced me to catfish, At Gompers lagoon. No fear in him, He never hesitated grabbing a catfish, funny fish. Do you ever bark back at them? :lol: When ever I would hook up, I'd always step back away from the edge of the water, at least 10ft. Always thinking they'd pull me in. He introduced me to fishing, But never told me what drag was :lol: So I'd back up in fear of falling in. A little bit after My brother James and his Friends john and Luis, started fishing with us more. John and Luis were throwing artificial though, something i had NO Clue about until John gave me some green grubs with black flecks. That day i started using them, just tossed them along the shoreline and reeled it in slowly. I ended up catching 3 fingerling bass. A little bit after i dropped my zebco and started using a spinning combo like my brother and his friends. From 99 -2001 It was definitely mainly artificial, although I still used live bait. My outings consisted with my grandfather between Gompers and river park. In 2002 i had fish tanks and observed a variety of species. And i mainly threw Crank baits and grubs. In 2003 I joined online fishing forums, And it opened up my eyes, I quickly started reporting. And Quickly started searching for anything related to fishing. Things i probably wont come in contact with I'm partially prepared to analyze and figure some type of pattern, for whatever species it may be. In 2005 after much searching and around 2 years of a menopause administrator. I found WCF. A REAL Place. A REAL group of people with ethics, and more importantly morals. Here In reported on and off but vastly improving on my fishing knowledge and even more importantly my on the water expierence, Something I think is The BEST WAY TO LEARN. That's why in december of 2008 I elected to fish everyday of 2009. Although I only lasted 92 Straight days through a brutal CHICAGO winter. December 31, 2008 - April02, 2009. 254 TOTAL FISH. I documented everything by daily post on www.windycityfishing.com . My coldest outing was a -33 windchill Day, Which was brutally cold And I still managed a fish. With the Crazy and vastly changing weather in the crazy windy city, It was hard to keep up in the beginning. My brother dropped out half way in january becasue of the physical toll. Me working part-time at Jewel-osco 30 hrs a week as well as a girlfriend, i decided a Workout plan is in order. Aswell as a routine. I talked with work and we arranged 4-10 schedules for me. While I Fished the morning sometimes several hours trying to keep my consistency. I'd work out for an hour after work, Which after a few weeks built me new energy. Eating Healthy and constantly, the cold was never to much to handle. I never Left a outing for being to cold. I wore multiple layers. And Fished carp when it was to cold to cast. My daily routine was.

WAKE UP 7am
Drive gf to work 8am.
fishing 9am -12-1pm (Best time to fish in winter is NOON. and 2pm Trust me. :)
pick mom up at 3.
pick gf up at 3:30
Work 4 till 10pm
Work out 11-12

I'd find some time in between to post.

I never lost interest and i tallied every fish. April 2nd Is the day my streak ended. I ended sleeping in. and i figured I'd fish during my workout time. After work, My Gf told me she wanted to take a break... And i quickly knew. On my way to the fishing hole, My left rear tire goes flat. And it being so late, alittle chilly and so exhauted my frustration took over and i called it quits. I was so disapointed afterwards My friends said to act like i was still going, But I couldn;t as honest as I made this whole thing I couldn't end it with a lie. So I admited my defeat and and Anounced it. Afterwards I stopped posting any reports, And stayed away. I still fished atleast 5 days a week. But i never carrired the camera. There where very few times I decided to but for the most part the attention isn't something worth craving. The spots got more publictity and trash talkers were getting fierce. And through the whole thing, There is NO ONE that could imagine what I've learned fishing every single day for 92 days this past winter. I thought I knew a lot before but. My second month in i quickly learned I must adapt to survive, I mean really put emphasise on presentation and realism.

"Any man who knows a thing. knows he knows not a dam, dam thing at all." - Knaan

So with that and with my new upsoming season, My journey is just beginning. And no matter what i learn, I'll still know I'll never learn it all. So I'll keep learning. I'll keep growing.

I'm the least competetive fisherman you'll ever meet.

But i'll be the first to hand a stranger child a fishingpole and teach him to become a fisher of men.

- GEORGE WATFORD
-> GEO
Adept Angling
Chicago, IL.
Adeptfisher@live.com

<((><

- Let it snow.

Back on it..

2009-09-12T08:14:00.001-07:00

Reports, Videos.

Coming Back.

October 2009.

Nice Musky 3/5/09

2009-03-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

My Second Musky Ever guys! Coming 2 Days after my first which was a little smaller. Hit a Spinner bait. Bouncing it off The Bottom. We hooked up about 10 feet off shore So there definitely was fight And a lot of it! A beautiful Fish and an Exciting Fight.

Day 12: Feels Like

2009-01-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

Day 12

Well.. If You haven't Already heard about my goals. It's to fish Every Day This Season. As of this Report I'm on day 12. Yesterday unfortanetly I got a Skunk. We fished a Blizzard Basicly and .. Ha.. ha,.. Many of you probaly thought we were crazy. I Fished 2 Hours before Work, Nothing then Fished on my Break and 10-12p.m. After work to no avail.. Although I tried hard i couldn't get a bite. Comes on the same day as my girlfriend and My 3 year anniversary So oviously she Really Supports me. Which is a lot of help to me While trying to accomplish my goal.

I wen't out to Pursue Common Carp this Afternoon Same time as Many of you were probaly Watching tht Eagles Giants Game.. lol It Was really Beautiful guys, my New Snow pants (bibs) Coat and boots Performed GREAT. I was literally standing in a foot of Snow the last two days While fishing. And not once did my feet get cold, wet, nothing. And i'm just glad the girlfriend talked me into going to k-mart.. for the clearnace stuff :-]] Today Set up with the usual slip-sinker rig, but unusually My brother james the one to locate a sort of "Hotspot" for todays outing. He Caught 3 Missed 1 And Also landed a Beautiful gold Fish. I fell to two common Carp, No complaint here you can't find a Fight like that anywhere in winter!!! These fish just continue to amaze me.

George
Multi-species Enthusiast
Adeptfisher@live.com

<((Geo))><

Bluegill 12/12/08

2008-12-12T12:54:00.001-08:00

I Didn't fish but walked Over to a Few Bridges today To see how it looks, Surprisingly The Fish were stacked into wind blown corners From what I seen they were all pan fish. But if I'm going to Catch a Fish everyday for one Year, I'll have to rely on these bridge pan fish bites During the Toughest of Conditions! As of right now I'm sticking with my plan to catch one fish everyday for one year It will be tough, More For transportation wise then any other thing right now. I'm confident I can land a fish a day But, Man will things get tough! will Keep you updated.

George Watford
->> fish harder
Fish Stronger<<-

2009 Fishing goals.

2008-12-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

1. Catch One Fish Everyday For one Year January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009. Any species count accept invasive Gobies etc.

2. Carp over 25 lbs

3. Bass over 6lbs

4. Catch More then 2,000 Fish Total

5. No Skunks

topwater pike... With 25 mph wind gust

2008-10-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Before Work today, Neil and i headed out to a stretch of the Des plains river We Found Searching Google Earth. It looked very good A little narrow, A lot of Trees. I started out throwing a Bright Red bomber deep Diving crank bait, man how I love to feel that bottom :-]]
20 minutes into the outing I Cast towards a Log With tons of debris pushed against it due to the Very high winds. the lure plummets the surface and I start to reel in Fast making Really Hard jerks with the tip of my rod digging it into the muddy bottom. BAM! he strikes and boy is he mean!! about 30 feet in front of me he starts to come to the surface As I repeadely yell over to Neil Oh I got one !! he's a beauty! the I get the momentum going towards the shore And throw him up on the bank, Man Was that exciting!! A Great time. Then we proceeded along the shoreline, Fishing the Wind blown shoreline in very shallow water I decided to switch from my deep diver to a top water since I was in a shallow woody flat. I threw that sucker out (Skitter pop) Using the walk the dog technique And I got a swirl.. but the fish didn't hit. two cast later in the same location using more aggressive tactics She hit! A short fight but After gettign her on the shore I dropped the rod and all Threw up my arms !! And Yelled Like a Freaking mad man!! YES!! MY FIRST TOPWATER PIKE!!! WHOOO HOOO!!!!! After wards I lent Neil a topwater And a fish when Airbourne on him!! Atleast a 25" fish. Dtraight out of the water atleast 2 feet in the air but unfortuantly no hook up.

today was a blast guys!!!!

my first topwater northern pike!!

my first northern of the day. Red bomber deep diving crank bait.

Sky: Cloudy/windy/little percipitation

Temp: 45

Pressure: 30.2 (RISING)

Wind: NW 15-25mph

Water color: Slightly Murky

Water visibility: 1 1/2'

Water Depth: 4-6ft deep.

Water Temp: COLD! 58

Bottom: muddy

Rod: st. croix Triumph

Reel: pFlueger presidential

Line: 10 lb P-line

Leader: ------

Sinker: ---

Swivel: --

Hook:--

Bait: --

->George Watford<-
Adeptfisher@live.com
GeorgeWatford@ymail.com
-->>FISH HARDER
-FISH STRONGER<<--

Weekend In Review -GROUP FISHING-

2008-10-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Fishing this weekend with James, John and of coarse myself, Was to say the Least BEAUTIFUL All The fall colors in Full bloom Along the shoreline of an even More Scenic body of water. We Caught Pike, Bass, Crappie, Carp And a few MC Donalds Drive through windows.. ha..ha.. But it was fun. Day 1 We Fished for Bass And carp along the Chicago River System. Day 2 We hit both the Des plains and Chicago river For Pike, And Crappie. And Day 3 we spent on the Des plains With it's scenic surroundings and peaceful Habitats.

The Slide Show will Speak for itself.. A Picture is worth a thousand words.

George Watford

->> Fish Harder -
Fish Stronger!<<-

Adeptfisher@live.com
Georgewatford@ymail.com

My Yearly Number of Fish Caught. 94-present

2008-10-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Year How many Fish Caught During Jan.1 / Dec. 31

1994-95 : 102 Fish Bluegill/Catfish

1995-96 : 93 pan fish

1996-97 : 91 Panfish

1997-98 : 63 59 Pan fish / 4 Bass

1998-1999 : 33 Fish. ::STUDIED FISH BEHAVIOR/ SET UP BASS OBSERVATION TANK

2000 : 123 50 bass / / started Artificial fishing

2001 : 122 Started studying Water//Pressure and weather.

2002 : 283 ... I Love Fishing :--]]

2003 : 563 .. Started Getting Really competitive

2004 : 1,724 started fishing with the Piao's :-]

2005 : 1,832 Really in a quantity Game.. AVG. 22 fish per. outing. NO SKUNKS

2006 : 926 Much more quality. 13 NEW PB 1 SKUNK 73 outing. Won 1st place match fishing event. My Picture was in Chicago Tribune.

2007 : 950 BIGGER FISH 70 % Bass 2 SKUNKS ::Lost most competitiveness just want to TEACH the sport. Caught 19" Walleye (chicago river)//Was mentioned in sun times article

2008 : 921 Started Pike fishing/fished 12 New Waters/5 skunks //Had a Whole article in suntimes.//

Starting jan1, 2009

TOTAL # OF FISH CAUGHT FROM 1994-PRESENT::

Carp Endevoure 10/15/2008.

2008-10-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

->> George Watford <<-

The Last two days My Brother James and I hit a local Body of Water Near our house, In Hopes of a Few Common Carp. But not just -Any- Common Carp, we were looking for the bigger boys. James made another batch of his "Strawberry Tutti fruity" As he likes to call it. Which is basically just Flour, Bread Crumbs, And a Package or two of Strawberry Kool-Aid Powder. Starting With Day 1 James and I both fishing separate areas about 15 feet away from each other, The shore line brush keeping us from even getting a glimpse of one another. So after I baited up and so did he we both made a cast into The river. Our Baits plummet the Surface and the sinker pulls our presentation to the bottom, We Tighten our Line. Anticipating a Fish soon, I get the net set up. About an hour goes by With just nibbles, But nothing to show for it. Then.. The end of my rod keeps making slight but vigorous bending actions then they slow but the bend becomes even stronger. I make sure the lines tight, and set the hook!, Immediately I call for James to come over. "I got one on, He feels Nice!" I said. Jame's quickly came to my side net in hand while we watch this carp make repeated Runs out to the deeper water. He starts ashore one last time " Make sure you net him Face first Jimmy", I said. This way were guaranteed a happy fish Story! As he Does, Landed in this little Rapala folding net. The Carp was beautiful With a Very Big Belly. "Wow, That looks over 15" Says Jimmy. I reply "Yea, Definitely .. And boy is She SEXY!". We didn't get a weight on her but She was definitely over 15, And really close to 20.

George Displaying His Common Carp

Sky: Rainy / Overcast

Temp: 57

Pressure: 30.23 (DROPPING)

Wind: N 0-10mph

Water color: Slightly Murky

Water visibility: 2 1/2'

Water Depth: 4-6ft deep.

Water Temp: 72

Bottom: Rocky

Rod: Dawaii Fire Wolf 10'6" Med/Lite

Reel: pFlueger Trion

Line: 10 lb P-line

Leader: 10lb P-line 10"

Sinker: 1/4 oz

Swivel: 14

Hook:Treble size 6

Bait: special preparation dough bait.

->George Watford<-
Adeptfisher@live.com
GeorgeWatford@ymail.com
-->>FISH HARDER
-FISH STRONGER<<--

October 11, 2008 (Carp)

2008-10-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Fished the Howard discharge this Afternoon with Shane and my brother. It was an absolutely Beautiful day today sunny, Warm, and Comfortable. Really nice day out especially compared to the last week of weather we had. When we first arrived I fished the Railings before heading to the discharge, I worked the area thoroughly with a 1/8oz. Ball head jig and a White grub about 2 1/2" long. But the only thing in the area were small sunfish, but the water was DEAD Clear with about 2 -3 feet of visibility with my Polarized sun glasses. So I decided to Grab my
gear and head towards the discharge where Everyone was fishing. my brother James missed one as soon as I got there, Carp using a special preparation Strawberry Dough. So I set my Carp rod up using a size 4 treble and about 12" leader on the slip-sinker rig. Tons of bites but no Fish! So Quickly i make an adjustment to my presentation by shortening my leader. This will allow me less stretch and a stronger hook set. But Still I kept missing fish. Now here I am down 0 fish to my brothers 2. I make yet another adjustment, I go to a Size 6 treble hook (Smaller) and shorten my leader to about 5" or so. on my first cast back out BAM! Nail a small gold "comet" Carp about 13" in length. Ok now that's a start and after wards proceeded in catching 3 More Regular common carp on the same presentation. The picture Above was the biggest of the Day.

Slip-sinker Rig with Dough bait

Special Preparation strawberry Dough bait.

Sky: Clear/sunny

Temp: 74

Pressure: 30.23 (DROPPING)

Wind: E 0-10mph

Water color: Clear

Water visibility: 2'

Water Depth: 6-8ft deep.

Water Temp: 74

Bottom: Rocky

Rod: Dawaii Fire Wolf 10'6" Med/Lite

Reel: pFlueger Trion

Line: 10 lb P-line

Leader: 10lb P-line 10"

Sinker: 1/4 oz

Swivel: 14

Hook:Treble size 6

Bait: special preparation dough bait.

->George Watford<-
Adeptfisher@live.com
GeorgeWatford@ymail.com
-->>FISH HARDER
-FISH STRONGER<<--

1<3

Oct 9, 2008 3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. (CARP)

2008-10-10T01:58:00.000-07:00

Fished Irving&rockwell Today, And it was Truly amazing. The Cold nights are starting to make the leaves on the trees change to their autumn Colors. Light Yellows, Orange, And Even small tints of Purple. I fished today with my 10'6" Daiwaii Fire Wolf Rod. Boy, has it been a long time since I took this rod out, My 4th yr having it. Just finished superglueing the eye of my Rod back on; (the plastic piece kept falling out) the night before. I rearranged my whole tackle box and Even spooled new line on my main 3 rods the night before. So I was Really excited to get back out.. back to "My roots" when I use to do this with the Family. I was using bread At first I started out with a size 12 Hook, Lazer sharp! made by eagle claw. But The fish just didn't seem to get hooked, They would pull My rod tip down and I'd set the hook feeling the weight.. But I just couldn't hook up. So after two quick fish misses I slid a treble hook off one of my crank-baits and tied it on my carp rig. Balled bread onto it;s trebles and cast it out. Took several minutes for another hit.. "Me thinking the bulkier profile of the larger hook" but it was nice, I had time to glance around my surroundings and truly take in the beauty. This spot being the ONLY Chicago river spot near me where, i just can't "Hear the city". And it was nice, but after a 20 inute wait and a very detailed observation of what was around me, I had another bite. I glance at my rod tip, noticing the weight of a fish at the other end. The rod was bent half over! So i quickly lifted until i felt the weight of the fish, And SET THE HOOK!. But again nothing.. The fish just weren't getting hooked. And it puzzled me to my amazement, I was feeling the line several times with my "Trigger" finger and actually felt the carp inhaling and exhaling my bread multiple times. And I couldn't figure it out. Although I didn't stray much from original presentation I wasn't dissatisfied with my outing either. I Felt Relax. Calm. A, a Zen Feeling. So although I wasn't able to hook up with "The Common Carp" I will take this relaxed feeling out feeling good about the day. But take what I learned from today's outing And Apply it to my next challenge.

Sky: Over Cast

Temp: 65

Wind: SE 0-10mph

Water color: Slightly Murky

Water visibility: 8 "

Water Depth: 3-4ft deep.

Water Temp: 74

Bottom: Rocky/Mud

Rod: Dawaii Fire Wolf 10'6" Med/Lite

Reel: pFlueger Trion

Line: 10 lb P-line

Leader: 10lb P-line 10"

Sinker: 1/4 oz

Swivel: 14

Hook: Size 12 // Treble size 4

Bait: Bread (Balled up only the WHITE of the bread. NO CRUST)

->George Watford<-
Adeptfisher@live.com
GeorgeWatford@ymail.com
-->>FISH HARDER
-FISH STRONGER<<--

1<3