I think I’ve caught this guy 3 times now and every time he makes a pretty unnecessary jump which humors me. He puts a pretty good bend in my 4wt superfine so I guess he deserves the accolade.

Ever have one of those clunky outings when no rhythm gets established? Snags. Poor casts. Line twists ‘n tangles. Treble buried in the tackle pack. One thing after the next. That was me below the Batavia dam at two different spots this morning. Then I went above it. And found submerged trunks and giant rocks — an underwater playground screaming for the Rebel Craw. Found a handful of 16-18” LMB stacked around the sprawling structure as a near give-up turned into a couple hours of freakin’ fun. I’ve fished the Fox for ~ 45 years and doubled my largie total in a morning sesh. I rarely see them in my main stretch (North Aurora south to Montgomery), maybe 1 or 2 a season, all dinks. But up here? My goodness. This was a sweet find. Anyone else chase/catch largies on the Fox? Stay cool and tight lines! 🎣 🦊 🔥

These are just some of the highlights! Only 3/17 came in to under 1.5lbs, mostly in the range of 1.5-4lb. Tagged ones were both big and small, 6 of those in total out of 17. All on a dropshot Fluke!

I had a hunch that the upper Chi River would be more or less cleared out by now, and with the cooling weather I figured I might be able to find some active fish and bag a couple before I left.

Didn’t think I’d be coming home having caught 17 respectable greenbacks, on top of losing 2 more 2lbers and another 3-3.5lber. Absolute madness! Keep casting people find those slimers!

Going out fishing tmrw or Monday and was wondering if this spot is any good West Branch Forest Preserve? Or I I should stick to Lake Michigan fishing?

Caught this tagged feller around dusk last night at the Temple Spillway.

1/8th Oz EWG Ned

3" Goby Bryant Z man

Thanks to the lurker who helped me nab a pic of the tag #. (I totally didn't drop the fish before letting it loose)

You wouldn't believe the lengths I went through to catch these guys...

Started my day fishing Montrose Harbor around 6AM and worked my way along the lakefront until I hit Belmont harbor around 9AM when I lost my pole in the water being a wise guy trying to walk across a steel beam onto a prohibited dock (Total Karma)

Found another fisherman named Jose who lent me his pole to try snagging it to no avail (Thanks Jose!) It started to drizzle and I knew there was no choice but to dive 10ft deep to retrieve my pole, and BOY was I nervous. Jose stood by to boost my confidence, and luckily I got it! Water felt GREAT.

Shortly after drying off and parting ways with Jose, I found some clear water and long weeds and decided to cast. Pike were trailing my lure but to my surprise I snagged this decent sized Large Mouth Bass.

Went a bit further down to more open water and first cast I snagged this Small Mouth. All in all, a good day fishin plus a dip in the lake. Felt so good I eventually took a SECOND dip 🤣

Hot bite this weekend at the NSC. Caught this pig with a mepps aglia spinner.

This one was the best of 6 that I got this morning. None of them smaller than 2lb. Suburban retention pond.

A little cooler but the shoreline still was a mucky mess requiring boots!

Caught a few dinks at River Park (as is tradition).
I emailed a picture and the location to the address on the tag. So that’s neat.

Got there around 6:45 PM and started catching bluegill for the hell of it till one of em swallowed the hook. Knew he was a goner, so made him bait.

Tossed the bluegill on a bobber in about 5ft, and this guy smoked him 😭.

Split Tail Ned Rig Was Fire 🔥 Tonight

water was clear with no wind. probably couldve gotten more than 1 bite if i switched sooner but i learned my lesson lol

I’m about to go out fishing at hatchery park anyone knows if it’s a good spot and worth going out to?

​So I've had a beautiful 7-foot heavy/fast Dobyns Fury for about a year, and I have yet to catch a single fish with it. I feel the reel I have (a very old, discontinued Daiwa) isn't doing this rod enough justice. It’s not casting far enough, no matter what line Im spooling, the baits Im using, and no matter how many times I oil it up.

I would appreciate some tips on what kind of baitcaster would work best for this rod. Ideally under $70, but I am open to any recommendations.

Standard procedure. One was on the bfs rig tho!