The Urban Fisherman

CCMT - yeah trying to horse a 20lb carp on 12lb test froghair leaders wasn't exactly top notch thinking! lol But it's all part of living in the country - not like I can just skip on over to 1 of 5 crappy tires within 10 minutes of my house. buuummmeeerrrrrrr..Ginny likes it because it keeps my spending to a minimum.....I've since discovered internet shopping...

Awesome MJL - Thanks for the tips dude. I figured as much but I was hoping one of you carp experts would be able to shed some light on the matter. I was concerned that I was going to go out and buy a $20.00 spool of heavy leader material and the fish would be spooked by it as well. There's absolutely NO fishing pressure on the carp in this lake but it's almost always crystal clear. I actually had 2 carp hit my bait (corn) on the drop. SLASHHOPPER - no lack of carp action in London dude...I went to fanshawe and lived downtown. It was like a 3 year party/fishing holiday....

Yeah I know but there's tree's everywhere, big fallen and sunken tree's....my drag was looser for the first two, but on the hookset they just bolted strait into the tree's and wrapped me up....

OFC - 2008 Tourney....EVERY INCH COUNTS!!! ok seriously...... The plan this weekend was to finally get out for some carpin'. First off I was going to hit the water for 4 a.m. and see if I could get an early morning bite. Woke up at 3:40 a.m. to thunder and lightning. Waited it out until about 5 when the storm subsided and off I went to try my hand at carp fishing in my little lake. Runnin' down the lake in my tooner! lol @ 3 MPH it takes a while to run from one end of the lake to the other! Finally got the camera mount finished though. First cast - my didn't even hit the bottom of the lake and my line starts going sideways - holy CRAP....I set the hook, zzzzziiiiiinnnnggggg line starts peeling off, not even two minutes in SNAP! Leader (12lb FrogHair Fluoro) breaks. I was worried this would happen, there's giant carp everywhere in this area, but there's also sunken tree's everywhere. So, I go 0 for 3 and decided to try strait braid! The wait: 1 hour goes by, not even a sniff....No way...... carp are dumb aren't they? The bite must have passed..... Let's try the fluoro leader again and see what happens. Re-tie, cast, not even 5 minutes goes by zzzzzzzziiiiiinnnnnnggggggg SNAP!!!!!! Back to the strait braid - NOTHING!!!! Fiance call's WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU WE HAVE A WEDDING AT OUR HOUSE IN TWO WEEKS AND WE'RE STILL RENOVATING!?!?!?!?!? "ok but the carp are whopin' my butt hunny...I'll be home shortly. Re-tie fluro one last time....Guess what? cast - wait not even five mintues, good bite....zzziiinnngg SNAP..... Grand total for the day was 0 for 5 on the rod and 1 baby that was netted and brought home for the pond. So, are carp as stupid as I thought? NOPE! Has anybody ever fished carp in area's with heavy tree cover, and if so could I catch them with 50 to 80lb Fluoro leaders, or is it pointless? I fished them in the thames on 10lb mono, never broke off....today I was using 30lb Braid, with 12lb Fluoro leaders and broke off every fish....Drag was a little on the tight side, but loose enough for them to pull the line without breaking off. I'm positive they broke off on tree's. At least my daughter has a new pet for our backyard pond! Cheers, UF

now that was funny

Hawk - why fish the bay when you can get hogs like this closer to home? haha alright sorry dude you were away while I caught it and had to show off...you know where I got it...... All kidding aside, I have to agree with you and Rich on this. I've only lived out this way since last fall, but I've noticed a very "old school" mentality around here. Reminds me of growing up in Northern ON. When I was a kid we didn't keep "eaters" we kept the biggest fish we could within our limit. Also I hear things like "I don't care if bass is out of season, if I catch one I'm keeping it" and "I don't need no damn license to fish" (on the pier in Rowan) And it's not just the bass, as you guys know, I'm all for a feed of fish, but I know people who'll go out with 3 people in the boat and keep their limit of perch, bring them home, then go back out two more days in a row and do it all over again. I mean seriously, who needs 500 perch in their freezer?!?!? I don't know if they're just naive, stupid or just don't give a crud. Anyways, I don't fish the bay at all really as I've only got that little pontoon boat, but I plan to fish it in the future and hopefully by the time a bass boat is in the budget there's still going to be some bass out in the "bermuda triangle" for me to catch. Cheers, UF

lol - congrats on the purchase - let us know how she runs. My future boat is lookin' to be a 16 foot nitro with that motor on it. Cheers, UF

a hell of a way to test out the new combo Bill! right on dude...

hey dude! I'm only three years out of college. I took 1 year off after highschool to try out some trades (plumbing/heating/electrical) and to some save money for my education. I almost ended up becoming a plumber - what changed my mind? sewer back-ups and way to much digging. I'm no expert but here's a few things I've learnt. 1) if you don't really enjoy school, don't take a break because it's hard to motivate yourself to go back (My best friend had to force me to write my application essay's for college) 2) If you're confident that you can jump back into the books after a year or so GO FOR IT! For a few reason's. My Little Bro-In-Law is 20 and has seen the world. There's various programs that allow you to travel and get university credits simultaneously. Also, as in my case - I was able to save some cash for school, and gain some serious life experience. I bought a house a few months back and have probably saved $10,000 or more in renovation labor costs. All stuff that I learned in a 1 year span after highschool. 3) Loans - they suck, but are a necessary evil for some. I worked at a bar for 1 semester and had a really hard time with my school work, so I quit. My parent's don't make a whole lot of money so I had to rely on OSAP to cover the costs of getting my education. Don't get me wrong, if there's no other options OSAP loans are better than not going to school, but if you can avoid it by working, do it. I ended up owing $21,000 and was paying $300 a month payments. Not bad, except $150.00 of that is INTEREST. I got lucky and scored a huge deal on my house so I tabbed on an extra $21,000 to my mortgage to cover my OSAP and poof, just like that it's gone. And I've still got a good $40,000 worth of equity left in the house. So, there's light at the end of the tunnel even if you do have to borrow a ton of cash. 4) If you're into trades - go for it, but don't do it just because there's always going to be jobs in it. I nearly gave up on pursuing a career in the television industry, and look at me now. 6 years later and I'm working for a freakin' fishing show! Anyways - as others have said, good on ya for looking into things early - and don't hesitate to shoot me a PM if you have any questions. Again, I'm not expert, but I'd be glad to help out any ways I can. Cheers, UF

Yeah dude - longer leader, or just wasn't working it EXACTLY the same. I've been in situations where i've been using the exact rod/reel/line/leader/bait/color etc. and gotten my butt whopped. Awesome smallies though - great report. Cheers, UF

Nice Tat Mepps - I always wanted to get one that had to do with fishing but couldn't come up with anything creative enough.......I think I've been over thinking it. I like it! Cheers, UF

dude I said 20 to 30 fish in 4 hours! Usually closer to 20, so like 5 fish per hour. Keep in mind that largemouth are pretty much at the top of the food chain in my "home lake". The only way I'm catching 20 fish in an hour is if I'm fishin' bluegill! haha There's so many of them where I fish you can catch them on crank baits all day long. Cheers, UF

Thanks for the idea's and support on this one guys. My daughter can't pronounce his name properly (not quite 2 yet) but each day she walks around the house saying Tamas, Tamas?!? He's a little sneaky and has gotten out before, but has always come back soon after. He's got tags, both with our contact info, as well as the local registration tags (got those the first time he was away more than just a couple hours) Apparently they didn't help much. He's not a hunting dog by any means. He's a bit of a wus, but loves fishing and is the kindest most gentle dog I've seen when he's with my daughter. I was just really stoked to see how close they were, and a new puppy isn't in the cards so she most likely won't be growing up with one anymore. (if I don't find him). Anyways - venting again but thanks for the idea's guys! I'm going to try them all. I'll post on the Long Point Board also Steve Paul - thanks dude. And Tangled, Ginny (my fiance) lost her engagement ring for a week at the beginning of the month, so don't feel bad! heh. Thanks, UF These are all from when my daughter was just a baby....I don't have any new shots online.....

Hey dude, Fishing from shore I've rarely had any better days than you. 1 to 2 fish days were common. ( unless I was carp fishing) Having the ability to fish from my little boat has given me the ability to go where the fish are. So now 20 or more fish in a few hours is common (albeit not all the fish are always very big! haha) I've also learnt alot in the past couple of years. I'd say average outing, 4 hours of fishing would be 20 to 30 largemouth. With ALOT of fish in the 1lb range. But hey, there's been times this year when I have to work just to get a half dozen. And I think it all depends on what you're looking for. Catching 20 largemouth doesn't seem to be much trouble, but catching 6 crappie is near impossible for me! haha Cheers, UF

Hey all, I accidentally put this in the tourney area - been distracted.....sorry to the admins..... I hate to bring any of my issues to the board but I've been a little stressed out the past week and a half. My 3 year old beagle went missing when I was away in Texas for 4 days. My fiance came to Toronto to get me at the airport and left him with my in-laws. Apparently about a half hour before I got home he snuck out the garage door. I was out until 1 a.m. or so that night driving around calling for him. Checked the local shelters a few times and he hasn't turned up there. Put a sign up at the local convenience store (I live in the middle of nowhere). So far no luck. I worry that something bad has happened but can only hope that he's maybe found a new home with somebody who cares for him. If anybody has ANY OTHER IDEA's as to how I could find him I'm up for anything. He's hands down my best buddy. My little man - seing as my fiance and I have daughter. Anyways - I guess I'm more venting than anything else, but I'm pretty bummed out. I know there's many other things that could happen that are worse but he's part of the family to us. Thanks for your time guys and gals! Tamias and Me playing hockey in the back - yard this winter. Cheers, UF Tamias and I playing hockey this winter:

this was supposed to be in general discussion - I must have been distracted - sorry all!

Hey all, I hate to bring any of my issues to the board but I've been a little stressed out the past week and a half. My 3 year old beagle went missing when I was away in Texas for 4 days. My fiance came to Toronto to get me at the airport and left him with my in-laws. Apparently about a half hour before I got home he snuck out the garage door. I was out until 1 a.m. or so that night driving around calling for him. Checked the local shelters a few times and he hasn't turned up there. Put a sign up at the local convenience store (I live in the middle of nowhere). So far no luck. I worry that something bad has happened but can only hope that he's maybe found a new home with somebody who cares for him. If anybody has ANY OTHER IDEA's as to how I could find him I'm up for anything. He's hands down my best buddy. My little man - seing as my fiance and I have daughter. Anyways - I guess I'm more venting than anything else, but I'm pretty bummed out. I know there's many other things that could happen that are worse but he's part of the family to us. Thanks for your time guys and gals! Tamias and Me playing hockey in the back - yard this winter. Cheers, UF

Also - it's my job. It's how I provide for my family. I work for a fishing show, for a man that know's a HECK OF ALOT more about fishing than me, and lives to educate other people in a real big way. Not to highjack the thread in any way, but people sometimes knock fishing show's for talking about what product's they're using, or plastering sponsor's logo's all over. But at the end of the day it costs money to produce a TV show - ALOT more money than people might think. So if it weren't for major companies sponsorships, Dave wouldn't have a means of teaching people what he's learnt over the years, and myself and a few others wouldn't have jobs. I wouldn't be able to put food on the table, buy a house or get my 2 year old her first fishing rod..heh

I'm going to say all of the above - and unless somebody else already mentioned it - TIME WITH FAMILY. I see no better way of spending quality time with my daughter, fiance and father. My brother doesn't fish for whatever reason, I think it's because he's afraid of the sunrise! haha Growing up my Dad and I didn't always get along, but we loved time spent on the water together. He taught me everything that he knew, and now I find myself teaching him many new things I've learned from fishing with Pro Angler's all over Canada and the USA. I now live 6 hours away from him, and eagerly look forward to any time we're able to share the boat. (only I drive now) hehe Good Thread! UF

Can't help you out dude! I've never tried the B. I'm sure it'd be a solid reel though. It all comes down to the budget. The Core/Cumara combo's are FREAKING amazing, light as a feather and you can feel every little thing on the bottom..i mean you can easily tell the difference in sensitivity.....but the price is just to insane for me. Even if I had money comin' out of you know where I don't think I'd buy them. ps. I use my Chronarch MG for flippin' into thick cover with the drag locked down and rippin' the fish out, as well as a pike reel and I haven't had an issue yet. It's my go-to reel these days and will probably be the highest end reel I ever use....outside of work that is...

When I started working for Mercer he gave me a Chronarch Mg as a sort of signing bonus and I love it. I've used his Calais's, Core's etc. etc. on several outings and have to say that I'm just as comfortable and confident using my Chronarch as any of the other reels. On a side note, I also have an inexpensive Daiwa Procaster and last week I had a largemouth hit so hard it completely crushed my reel.....you get what you pay for. Good luck on the new purchase dude!

Got 14lb fireline from my brother for christmas last year. I've got it on my Abu 502 and it is very noisy compared to Super Braid. I love the fact that it doesn't stretch, and that it has a smaller diameter than mono (like braid) but I find it to be way to stiff for my likings. I'll most likely finish off the season with it but re-spool with 12 or 14lb Stren Super Braid in the spring...unfortunately John, my future wife frowns upon purchasing $20.00 spools of line when they aren't necessarily needed. She know's the Fireline is still new! Last week it was either re-stock my senko's and buy a new deep dying x-rap, or pick up a spool of line.....the baits won out. Cheers, UF

right on teamate...beats being skunked brother. While you were reeling that little bad boy in, I was tiling my kitchen walls... you wanna talk about being stressed out. Cheers, UF

awesome reefrunner! I've got a lake up near the french river like that. It's a 3 hour trek down a set of train tracks but well worth the walk. You catch bass on everything man. A buddy of mine was catching them on a red-devil spoon! haha Great report - brings back some fond memories from my high school days. Cheers, UF

Awesome fish Bly!!!! CCMT - I've only ever caught fish that big on the state side of Erie and they're usually FAT PIG's over there. I've seen 22 inchers weigh anywhere from 5.5 to 7 lbs depending on how fat they were. I bet it's at least 4 lbs though. Next time take a girth measurement so you can figure it out! I'd be curious to see some weights. I think some people would be suprised at how much some bass weigh - and how little some pike weigh....Pike are probably the #1 fish to be "over-guesstimated". Again, nice catch Bly - to most people that'd be a fish of a lifetime! Cheers, UF