Outdoor Sports

[Irishnuke]

Humboldt Squid caught at 1200' deep.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

Yeah, he'a talkin whitetail. 150 is big, but not monster up here in the MO, IL, IA area. Our does are bigger than Florida bucks

Sad but true. After hunting in northern Indiana and throughout the midwest for most of my childhood/early adulthood then moving to Florida when I was 18, it's not even close. Not only are the sizes of the deer much different but the behavior is much different as well. It was almost like I had to re-learn how to hunt deer once my family moved to Florida.

So much is different when hunting deer in different geographic locations that for the first two years in Florida I might as well have made a big sign that said "hey deer, I'm here to kill you".
Once I figured out their behavior patterns down south and adjusted to the time difference in the rut, I became a much better hunter in the south.

To be honest, the majority of the pics I've seen of really big bucks coming from the deep south have been from deer harvested on private hunting farms.

 

[FLDomer]

Great idea!

I checked out that site in need of a new reel but I need it this weekend. I'm more or a weekend bass, crappie and the occasional catfish warrior. Nothing crazy. As I get older, I hope to have more time and get on the water more.

I'd love to get down and do some saltwater fishing. I've never done it but it really seems like a blast.

Also would like to head out west to get into some trout and learn fly fishing. I love being outdoors.

Oh... and.... 84 days until opening archery season in IL!!!!

Everyday is hog season in FL, but I cant wait to get up to the farm and do a lil bow hunting this fall.

 

[ShakeDown]

Everyday is hog season in FL, but I cant wait to get up to the farm and do a lil bow hunting this fall.

Do you hog? That's on my list as well, though I have no idea how its done. I was thinking of getting a guide the first time to learn the ropes. Is it an ambush hunt, ie blinds or stands?

 

[woolybug25]

As many of you know, i'm a longtime fly fisherman. Been doing it my entire life all over the world. I have a blog (hiptothesip.blogspot.com) that I post random Notre Dame stuff in addition to fishy pics during fall. Might have to go back a page for any ND stuff (its summer after all), but I like to share my adventures. Here are some pics.

Anybody else a fly fisherman?

 

[peoriairish]

As you know, those pictures make me super jealous. Great catches.

 

[NDdomer2]

As you know, those pictures make me super jealous. Great catches.

You wouldn't be if he showed his face, trust me!

I love to fish, mostly small lakes/ponds here in Indiana. My favorite is ice fishing although now that I am an auditor my winter fishing is at an all time low.

I went deer hunting for the first time in my life a year ago. No luck yet.

Steelhead, you know anywhere good to fish here in Indy? All the state parks are not worth it and I have heard to not waste your time on the White River.

 

[FLDomer]

Do you hog? That's on my list as well, though I have no idea how its done. I was thinking of getting a guide the first time to learn the ropes. Is it an ambush hunt, ie blinds or stands?

When I bow hunt for pigs, its usually spot and stalk or over feeders. Hog dont use usual trails like whitetail so if you are in a stand you wanna be over a feeder or water hole (tougher cause water is all over down here).
Riding around in a swamp buggy is usually a good way to get around cause it gives you a point of view about the palmettos and they can drive over anything. You can pop em from on top of the swamp buggy too.
A lot of guys run em with dogs and catch em either taking em live and hog tying em or dispatching em with, gun, bow, knife, sword, spear ...
If you want let me know I can point you in the direction of a good outfitter or two...

 

[Irishnuke]

25lb California Yellowtail

 

[peoriairish]

A picture from camp this past fall. (unfortunately none are mine)



From Table Rock a few weeks ago.

 

[ShakeDown]

When I bow hunt for pigs, its usually spot and stalk or over feeders. Hog dont use usual trails like whitetail so if you are in a stand you wanna be over a feeder or water hole (tougher cause water is all over down here).
Riding around in a swamp buggy is usually a good way to get around cause it gives you a point of view about the palmettos and they can drive over anything. You can pop em from on top of the swamp buggy too.
A lot of guys run em with dogs and catch em either taking em live and hog tying em or dispatching em with, gun, bow, knife, sword, spear ...
If you want let me know I can point you in the direction of a good outfitter or two...

Awesome. I actually have a 2year old Dogo Argentino, bred for hog and cougar hunting. She has never ran with a pack or had any trailing training. I'm really interested actually if you don't mind sending me some info via PM. I don't bow hunt (yet) but I'd imagine the trusty Maverick 88 would do the trick.

Some awesome pics on here by the way. Wooly have you ever fly fished saltwater?

 

[woolybug25]

You wouldn't be if he showed his face, trust me!

I love to fish, mostly small lakes/ponds here in Indiana. My favorite is ice fishing although now that I am an auditor my winter fishing is at an all time low.

I went deer hunting for the first time in my life a year ago. No luck yet.

Steelhead, you know anywhere good to fish here in Indy? All the state parks are not worth it and I have heard to not waste your time on the White River.

Ha! Why do you think I hide it? Trust me... the fish is better looking.

There aren't any steelhead in Indy, but a couple hours north you have creeks like Trail Creek that get packed with them.

Not sure who told you not to waste your time on the White, but they are dead wrong. The White is one of the best smallmouth streams in the entire country. I have fished it a bunch of times and can verify that it is a great fishery.

@Peoria - I'll have to get you out some time, my man.

 

[NDdomer2]

Ha! Why do you think I hide it? Trust me... the fish is better looking.

There aren't any steelhead in Indy, but a couple hours north you have creeks like Trail Creek that get packed with them.

Not sure who told you not to waste your time on the White, but they are dead wrong. The White is one of the best smallmouth streams in the entire country. I have fished it a bunch of times and can verify that it is a great fishery.

@Peoria - I'll have to get you out some time, my man.

I think most people here don't fish it because of the reputation of being dirty. Did you use your own boat or just find a place along the shore? I work with a bunch of accountants who have families and don't fish so I honestly don't know jack about fishing in this area.

 

[dshans]

I guess you guys wouldn't be interested in my action photos of Jarts, Bocce, and Keepsies Marbles ...

 

[FLDomer]

I guess you guys wouldn't be interested in my action photos of Jarts, Bocce, and Keepsies Marbles ...

Not the others but Keepsies Marbles, count me in!!

 

[woolybug25]

I think most people here don't fish it because of the reputation of being dirty. Did you use your own boat or just find a place along the shore? I work with a bunch of accountants who have families and don't fish so I honestly don't know jack about fishing in this area.

I've waded it and fished it from a drift boat. There are plenty of places to fish from shore as well. Give it a shot. It's funny how different people look at water. Check out the west branch of the river. It is a lot more scenic and has some great fishing.

Other cool waters near you are the Tippecanoe and the Yellow river.

 

[dshans]

Not the others but Keepsies Marbles, count me in!!

Would your attitude be different were they photos of my opponents while playing Naked Jarts against the Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleaders or Naked Bocce against (armpit shaven) Miss Italy contestants???

 

[FLDomer]

Would your attitude be different were they photos of my opponents while playing Naked Jarts against the Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleaders or Naked Bocce against (armpit shaven) Miss Italy contestants???

Are you naked?? Because if "yes" than I stick to "no interest".

 

[dshans]

Are you naked?? Because if "yes" than I stick to "no interest".

Well, yes. But I'm behind the camera taking the "shots" so you're safe.



And that would be "then," not "than," dammit!

 

[Irishnuke]

Caught on my daughter's tinkerbell rod at our community lake. The bass actually pulled the rod in the water when we weren't paying attention. I had to go in and get it.

 

[FLDomer]

Well, yes. But I'm behind the camera taking the "shots" so you're safe.



And that would be "then," not "than," dammit!

Dammit, I tried so hard not to screw it up!

 

[peoriairish]

My brother caught this up on the Rocky River in Ohio recently. I hadn't ever seen one before.

 

[peoriairish]

While I have y'alls attention, and as I'm sure some of you have deduced, I'm in need of a new reel. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money on it, just something to get me through. I want it versatile enough to flip for trout, jig for crappie, crank for bass, and fight some cats. I know this is a tall order, but does anyone have any recommendations of stuff from Bass Pro or Cabelas? That's what we have in the area and I need it for this weekend otherwise I'd check out ShakeDown's website.

 

[woolybug25]

My brother caught this up on the Rocky River in Ohio recently. I hadn't ever seen one before.

That there is a Palomino Trout (also called a Albino Trout). They are a mix between a rainbow and a golden trout. They are planted in a lot of states as a put and take fish. Weird looking fellas.

 

[Irishnuke]

While I have y'alls attention, and as I'm sure some of you have deduced, I'm in need of a new reel. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money on it, just something to get me through. I want it versatile enough to flip for trout, jig for crappie, crank for bass, and fight some cats. I know this is a tall order, but does anyone have any recommendations of stuff from Bass Pro or Cabelas? That's what we have in the area and I need it for this weekend otherwise I'd check out ShakeDown's website.

You're going to use much lighter line for crappie and trout than you would for bass or catfish, especially if you're pitching baits into cover for bass. I would go ultra light for trout and crappie, 2-4lb test. That's too light for crank baits or pitch baits. I don't think you're going to be able to cover all of your bases with one reel.

 

[peoriairish]

You're going to use much lighter line for crappie and trout than you would for bass or catfish, especially if you're pitching baits into cover for bass. I would go ultra light for trout and crappie, 2-4lb test. That's too light for crank baits or pitch baits. I don't think you're going to be able to cover all of your bases with one reel.

I know it's not ideal, but I thought I might be able to. Maybe I'll just get a cheap ultra light combo for crappie and trout and grab a better reel for bass and cats. How's this one look?

Shimano® Sedona FD Spinning Reel : Cabela's

 

[Irishnuke]

I know it's not ideal, but I thought I might be able to. Maybe I'll just get a cheap ultra light combo for crappie and trout and grab a better reel for bass and cats. How's this one look?

Shimano® Sedona FD Spinning Reel : Cabela's

Yeah I have one of those that I use for trout and panfish and bass (small ones in my community pond). It works well. I love shimano reels. You don't need to break the bank for the smaller fish. You could probably get away with using that for drop shot fishing for bass as well.

 

[Irishnuke]

Also check eBay for reels. I've found many good deals on there and not just on used reels. You can usually find something cheaper there than the bigger stores.

 

[peoriairish]

Also check eBay for reels. I've found many good deals on there and not just on used reels. You can usually find something cheaper there than the bigger stores.

Yeah, I would go that route, or Amazon, but I need it for this weekend. Waiting til the last minute like always...

 

[woolybug25]

I know it's not ideal, but I thought I might be able to. Maybe I'll just get a cheap ultra light combo for crappie and trout and grab a better reel for bass and cats. How's this one look?

Shimano® Sedona FD Spinning Reel : Cabela's

Yeah. Those shimanos are pretty good. A 1000 would be a good all around reel as long as you aren't doing saltwater or salmon/steelhead on it. You will only be able to fit like 80 yards (guessing) of 8 pound on it. But if you are just fishing lakes and small streams, it will be fine. It will be light enough to come close to balancing out a small trout rod as well. Not perfect for either, but will do both.