timmeh

Sounds like a good day, nice looking Co. Interesting site with the nooks, I've never really seen them battle like that. Beautiful brown, it's a real shame it was killed IMO.

Keep trying man, they're in there. I had several trips with minimal success on the Grand before I started to consistently get into fish. If you keep putting in the effort I'm sure you'll find them too. I'm not overly familiar with that stretch of the Grand but bass are everywhere in the river so if you're walkin the miles you'll get into them. Sometimes the bite is just cold. We've had some weird weather the last few days and that may have slowed them down.

NO, absolutely not. You cannot fish in a sanctuary at all.

Nice fish indeed.

Thanks for the replies guys. $200 was sort of a number I came up with since I didn't know exactly what to expect price wise. I'm on a bit of a budget and the thing is it's a bit of a drive to the closest steelie rivers so I'm hesitant to spend extra money on a reel that I won't use as often as I'd like. But I will definitely keep my eyes open for a used reel and consider my options.

As far as your first questions fish come in after the rain while the water is high. How far up the stream they go depends on how much rain/ what the river levels are. It takes time fishing a river before you can read how far up the fish will move at certain river levels, but water temperature plays a role.

I agree those are Atlantics; red spots mostly along the lateral line, and the mouth does not go past the eye (which is the case in browns).

Hey everyone, I've been fishing for steelies for the past few years and have been doing okay throwing hardware. The past year I spent a bit of time float fishing with a spinning reel. I was able to pick up a few fish and have learned a lot but would like to pick up a centerpin for the upcoming season. But admittedly I don't know a lot about them, including how much to spend. I've already got a rod, a 12.5 Fenwick to pair up with the reel. I was hoping to get a decent reel in the price range of $200 or so. Any recommendations for decent reels within this price range. What features should I be looking for in a good centerpin? Any models that people have had troubles with? Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance, Tim

Thanks for the response bassfighter. I don't spend much time at all fishing for salmon in the rivers so I wasn't sure whether or not people kept most of their fish.

Coaster or not do you have any pics? I remember from last year and would love to see the size of him now.

If you told them they were Atlantic Salmon being snagged I bet that would get their attention!

Do people actually eat those brown boots or do most people just let them go? Nice fish either way.

Completely agree. Leader material is really stiff. I've used Seagar fluoro line and tied it on as a leader for the last 2 years and never had a problem with it all. If people want to spend big $$ on leader material go for it, I only use it in specific situations.

I had the exact problem as you. I used vanish as a leader on braid. I tied all kinds of leader knots, used swivels and it always seemed to randomly break. It was terrible. Finally I spent some extra money on seagar and haven't looked back. I also have the P-line fluoro on one of my reels and have had no problems with it. But i'll never waste a penny on vanish again.

Keep in mind there are several areas of the Grand in that area that have very strict regulations. Basically between Paris and Brant park is all catch and release, single barbless hooks. Just be aware if you're in this section, below it you're fine. Downstream of Brantford, the dam in Caledonia is a popular spot and you can catch just about anything there.

I've been thinking about the same thing to make my weekend plans. I assume by trout you mean steelies. I'll likely go for bass since I'll go for steelies once the bass are done. Plus many of the areas I like to target for steel are probably full of salmon guys this weekend. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

Nice mixed bag of fish you got there, looks like a great day. Never even thought of sonar scaring off the fish, but results are results.

Can't think of a better way to find out than to grab the rod and reel and go for a drive....

That's decent of you to try

Enjoy your time fishing now. I think you may find once you start working you'll have less time to fish than when you're in school. I've certainly found this true. Anyhow best of luck on the weekend. I've been meaning to get out there all season but haven't yet.

Those are some good bass, nice to see the Grand being good to you. It's been very good to me lately. Interesting note that you saw a few followers. I've been noticing that too. I know it's relatively common for smallies but I've been noticing it a lot more the past few weeks. Must be fall time.

Honestly if you're barely using them just about any pair will do fine, no need to spend big $$ on something you use a couple times a year. Just make sure you take care of them. After you wear them don't stuff them back in the box, hang them up somewhere. Neoprene is an option but personally I don't like them. You can wear rubber one in cold water if you dress warmly and wear wool socks. But if you really want to be comfortable breathable waders are the way to go... more money but worth it imo. And if you're comfortable you may find you use them more than planned.

Just incredible, looks like a fantastic place. Maybe one day I'll find out for myself...

I really like St Croix rods myself, and they are similar in price for a nice rod. I have an Avid series which I use for finesse work. For less money the premier series rods are also very nice. I have one of these as well and I honestly can't feel much of a difference between this and the avid.

I saw that too. Dang, I thought he had discovered a new salmon river. As for the fish, legally you do need to release the fish immediately. Rather than start a confrontation you probably made the wise choice. Next time if you really want a picture try explaining to the guy that you will immediately release the fish after, and maybe he'll relax. The reason he may have sort of jumped on you was because unfortunately many people make a habit out of snagging salmon. It happens all the time at this time of year and really upsets honest fishers. You certainly don't sound like one of those snaggers but he didn't know this, so don't take it personal.