tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57144112483505173892024-03-16T13:50:47.909-05:00Fishing with Todd ReedFishing stories, facts, techniques, and some great fun with friends and family can be found here. Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.comBlogger372125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-78847957688319502902024-03-05T19:44:00.001-06:002024-03-07T08:05:34.381-06:00Catching Early Crappies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtOqRPSsEW3yzqxgflk_avSnacVodlkeDszEECmCC5s8mpCd_kGqnHnM2kKzi7gwuDpveD7ZNMKHNXNYcnNPIeZpDYidb81oukw4vIVRlv-mKIc5IsgIvSYe9VNSD-gdgxgO7lf55-gp4aBZ6zB1pNXmMpZtyvRzNSOEYgmjePXQZG2U7m8_qLYIvu_PL/s1310/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-06%20at%203.43.43%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1310" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtOqRPSsEW3yzqxgflk_avSnacVodlkeDszEECmCC5s8mpCd_kGqnHnM2kKzi7gwuDpveD7ZNMKHNXNYcnNPIeZpDYidb81oukw4vIVRlv-mKIc5IsgIvSYe9VNSD-gdgxgO7lf55-gp4aBZ6zB1pNXmMpZtyvRzNSOEYgmjePXQZG2U7m8_qLYIvu_PL/w414-h277/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-06%20at%203.43.43%20PM.png" width="414" /></a></div><br /> The Iowa Sportsman Magazine: April Issue<p></p><p>The ice is long gone, the grass is turning green, and the birds are singing, all of these are signs for anglers to get out and go fishing. Walleyes, bass, catfish, and pike are fish that really come alive in early spring, but as we flip the calendars to April, panfish, especially crappies become the focus for many anglers. It’s that time of year, so let’s get the gear ready and catch some!</p><p> Crappies bite all months of the year, however crappies in the early spring are very rewarding once you find them. Springtime crappies can be a feast or famine type of fishing, once you catch one, there are typically many closer by. Let’s examine where to look for crappies this time of year, what gear you will need to catch them, and how to properly keep, clean and prepare some crappie.</p><p> Crappies are located all across Iowa, from rivers, ponds, small county lakes, state parks and large reservoirs. No matter where you live, you are not far from catching some crappies in the next few days. The best resource you have is the DNR website to find these areas. This site has a lot of information on it, including most every lake in the state and the fish that are living in each lake. These lakes can be sorted by county, so you will find something close to you very quickly. As we all know, all lakes are not created equal, especially when it comes to crappies. Crappies can be very cyclical, meaning that they can do very well for a few years in a lake, then have some bad years in that same lake. Spawning conditions can vary and create some very good years as well as down years. There are many good crappie lakes in the state, especially if you are trying to get enough for a meal. Doing a little homework online will lead you to an area and save you a lot of trial and error. Getting a good working “network” of friends is probably the best route to go. Once you develop some friends that you can trust with sharing information, giving, and taking information can lead to less homework, and more fish. Who doesn't want that?</p><p>Early season crappies are probably one of the most sought-after fish this time of year. It could be because all anglers can have success doing it. You do not need a boat or kayak to chase these fish down, fishing from the shoreline can be just as effective. When it comes to rods and reels, these do not need to be fancy either. Crappie fishing requires some basic gear, but for the most part most anglers will have enough to get out there and catch a few fish. The best combo for catching crappies is a spinning combo. The rod should be six feet to seven feet in length and be a medium power with moderate action. This rod will give you the flexibility to throw little baits, as well the ability to set the hook without ripping the bait out of the crappies’ mouth. Matching that rod with a spinning reel will allow you to throw light baits at the crappies at greater distances than baitcasters or spincast reels. Spincast reels work well too, it is hard to beat a push button Zebco for a younger child. Spinning reels should be lined with six- or eight-pound test line. If you are going to be fishing in ultra-clear water, then a six-pound test is best. If your lake, pond, or river has a lot of rocks, sticks or logs, then the eight-pound test line would be best. Both lines will cast long distances and work very well with spinning or spincast reels. Note, spring is the time for new line, trust me, it is well worth the cost. I prefer monofilament line for casting to crappies. Small leadhead jigs and live bait presentations are the best when fishing from shore. Casting out different colored jigs with plastic tails or tossing out a live minnow under a slip-bobber is so fun this time of year. If you are in a boat or kayak adding a longer rod, twelve-foot or longer as a dipping rod and or a spider rig rod. Dipping is a technique when you are near or on top of the crappies, or a brushpile they may be hiding in. A spider rig is just like trolling, however the bait is in front of your boat and more directly down in the water column. All these techniques can be fantastic when the crappies are still away from the shoreline and best accessed in a boat or kayak. Again, jigheads with plastics or live minnows are a crappies dream meal. As you can see, the tackle and gear needed to get out and start catching crappies is pretty simple. Get these items together and get to catching!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN735sSaD2bytGgU44l2jSRv04ICg6jnrgRNsnW3V6gIGrhiPT7EHPScoeo4tCQJiYhb3pdNevsf4P1K-umXYl6Yst0BdMgHwUg1P_ahJ-0Bl4gDjdwbR0eB7N6M0nFkPGHVkxYTf7XbKcUapt0KGMziF2q5skT4jiINizKeaUchgn8BeecRAzY3IgXe6c/s3011/20240302_133238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3011" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN735sSaD2bytGgU44l2jSRv04ICg6jnrgRNsnW3V6gIGrhiPT7EHPScoeo4tCQJiYhb3pdNevsf4P1K-umXYl6Yst0BdMgHwUg1P_ahJ-0Bl4gDjdwbR0eB7N6M0nFkPGHVkxYTf7XbKcUapt0KGMziF2q5skT4jiINizKeaUchgn8BeecRAzY3IgXe6c/s320/20240302_133238.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><br />Have I mentioned that crappies taste great? I am pretty sure if you are this far in the article you already know that fact. They are a delicious fish that can be eaten many different ways. Before we get to eating them, we need to take care of them properly. Once you decide to keep fish to eat, you need to do one of two things right away. You can either keep them alive until you process them, or you must get the fish cold. If you are in a boat, a livewell is best to keep them alive, on the shore that really isn’t an option. A stringer or a fish cage might keep them alive for a while, but not for long periods of time. A small cooler is ideal for the shore angler or the boat angler. If you know you are planning to keep some crappies, plan ahead with ice and a cooler. If the water temperature is fifty degrees or colder, that will be just fine, and ice isn’t necessary. Once you have your crappies on ice or in cold water, the next step is fileting them. Again, keep the meat cold by placing the filets in a bowl of cold salted water with ice cubes. The cold temperature firms up the meat, while the salt will help to reduce blood and preserve the meat. One more step to delicious crappies, cook them up! Frying them in oil is great, however there are a few other ways I like to enjoy crappies. Crappies make delicious “Crappie Cakes”, as well as “Baked Fish Tacos”. There are many recipes out there, but those are my three favorites for crappies. You can get further details of these recipes on my website: www.fishingwithtoddreed.com . Before you take your next trip, plan ahead to keep the meat cold, you will see the difference, and taste the difference.<p></p><p> Catching panfish in general is a great way to spend a few hours or a few days. Focusing on crappies this time of year is a must if you want to capitalize on the spring bite. Start shallow and work out from there, lake channels and drop-offs are a great way to discover where crappies are this time of year. Cover a few different areas and narrow down where you are catching them, this will lead you to more and more crappies in the cooler. Just a reminder that anglers are allowed to keep twenty-five crappies a day in the state of Iowa, but I encourage you to be conscious of the body of water you are on and be a steward. We all fish the waters, take what you need and let the rest go. Some days I may keep a limit of twenty-five, while other days I may keep six for a meal. Do your part to keep our public waters a great place to fish for years to come.</p><p>Get out there and enjoy this early spring, typically there is still a lot of ice on the many of the Iowa lakes, this year every lake is wide open. Have fun and be safe out there!</p><div><br /></div>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-45003860016794933222024-02-26T20:05:00.002-06:002024-03-07T08:23:34.377-06:00The FRIST Bass<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWq431QuRMxS-o0V8pOmZbFMxFodQTuUMlOV3OWSqgS7g1Kq0VQc5CCAPG0w8rpBo41SqFwlxMHiL1mimODT1LwdGWvEeM3rvFcj0RXdfvjaj-ULq1I3zoJC86PF6N9V9AUeizp_vGuXtVN6YAApeRqBRLdRJkoTadq6HaGGNgrRcSTps9jiHvmeE5RDYB/s3392/20240225_154303.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3392" data-original-width="2544" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWq431QuRMxS-o0V8pOmZbFMxFodQTuUMlOV3OWSqgS7g1Kq0VQc5CCAPG0w8rpBo41SqFwlxMHiL1mimODT1LwdGWvEeM3rvFcj0RXdfvjaj-ULq1I3zoJC86PF6N9V9AUeizp_vGuXtVN6YAApeRqBRLdRJkoTadq6HaGGNgrRcSTps9jiHvmeE5RDYB/w281-h375/20240225_154303.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br />That first outing in the boat each spring is a special one. First off, you just hope things float, the motors work and the batteries hold a charge. After those things have been checked, it is time to make those first casts. This spring was very unique in the way that I was not throwing a Quantum combo. After using those products for about 30 years, it was time to move on to Lew's rods and reels. It is always fun trying new models of things each spring, but a new product line was VERY exciting. I was like a kid on Christmas morning. The new combos were a pleasure a use, very balanced and overall lightweight, they are going to be wonderful throughout the many years to come. More details on those will be coming.<p></p><p>The fishing the first time out is always a bonus, just hoping for that one bite. Also, the first month or so of open water fishing is your best chance to catch a giant, especially a giant largemouth bass. No giant on the first trip out but some nice fish. The biggest did come on a jig and chunk pitching to some rocks, pretty typical for March, let alone late February. A fun time, the boat floated, both motors worked, and fish were caught. I guess the 2024 open water season is here!</p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-62772233564082237652024-02-22T20:20:00.003-06:002024-02-23T09:14:16.415-06:00The Shortest Ice Fishing Season Ever<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJRPwKcEyGUEsTc2jd_Tmk0S3Wgijh4o7BMDPOu7YvPo8b9wkwRUNm3dAc2r6i3eQa1H0la8phJkH1wfzow4IwnBpIKtObJEigN4JNXE1nUk6mReSg6X8ieo8_mMF98XI8sZbEhD86fx_bX7_4XgHkeaCiE9Z1btmPwfqh4-Ei7kjogZ6iC7Wues28RPZ/s2740/20240219_100637.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2740" data-original-width="2095" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJRPwKcEyGUEsTc2jd_Tmk0S3Wgijh4o7BMDPOu7YvPo8b9wkwRUNm3dAc2r6i3eQa1H0la8phJkH1wfzow4IwnBpIKtObJEigN4JNXE1nUk6mReSg6X8ieo8_mMF98XI8sZbEhD86fx_bX7_4XgHkeaCiE9Z1btmPwfqh4-Ei7kjogZ6iC7Wues28RPZ/s320/20240219_100637.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last fish of the season:<br />9.5 in Bluegill</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Looking back to November, I was so excited for the ice fishing season. I love to fish from the boat, but the fall weather patterns did not produce a steady bite like a typical fall. Each and every year before the ice fishing season I do some homework to search out new lakes I have never been to before to try. I had three of them on this winters list, I only got to one of them. I was able to make it out on the ice 14 different days, which is about half of a normal winter. This was not the plan back in November, but once again Mother Nature is in control.<br /><p></p><p>The ice is pretty much gone here in Iowa and it is time to move on to the open water. It was the shortest ice fishing season ever for me, and I hope next winter is much longer. My friends and I did have some great trips. The best; the last one at the Okoboji Lakes. I get up to the Okoboji area a few times each year, it is by far the best fishing in the state. Whether you are ice fishing or fishing in a boat, no other place comes close...the only one that is in the conversation would be Pool 9 near Lansing. The Okoboji trip "saw" many bluegills, crappies and yellow bass to come out of the holes, and many great meals in the future. I am looking forward to a meal of yellow bass tacos tomorrow night as I write this. The bluegills are the reason for going ice fishing at Okoboji, they just grow different up there. An 8-inch bluegill is common and when you are doing things right, you will catch numerous 9-inch bluegills each day you target them. What makes this even more exciting is that you literally see the fish down the hole when they come up to your lure, it is a rush for sure! Mix in a few sightings of northern pike and muskie and you are in for a trip you will not forget. If you have never been there...please...do yourself a favor and get there next winter.</p><p>THE GEAR:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_LgZkCkkM0LLnTFEYezNSHlHF5N0xnOmMHOXBilfH9cLl40aE4NcyxbFba1abV4ykfka-ESBSeXh0U2mF87KgGDCrAtFv_ghQA43Dmr3z68pYBQayncmvXN6OIvmT9ELpggNk3umTDWEEt3tYZVIDF4SG-wFuvPGBTl3T_4M8hPAqVWue1yOodX6AWli/s4000/20240218_171629-EDIT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_LgZkCkkM0LLnTFEYezNSHlHF5N0xnOmMHOXBilfH9cLl40aE4NcyxbFba1abV4ykfka-ESBSeXh0U2mF87KgGDCrAtFv_ghQA43Dmr3z68pYBQayncmvXN6OIvmT9ELpggNk3umTDWEEt3tYZVIDF4SG-wFuvPGBTl3T_4M8hPAqVWue1yOodX6AWli/s320/20240218_171629-EDIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I cannot conclude this without a special note about some of the equipment I had this winter. The <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.vexilar.com" target="_blank">Vexilar FLX30</a></span></b> is my everyday flasher, it is hands down the best flasher out there. However, the Vexilar FLX28 is a must for sight fishing, I love the wide cone angle it has for the early bite warning. I love starring down a hole all day waiting for fish to bite, but sometimes you need to sit back and relax. The FLX28 allows you to do this and gives you plenty of warning when a fish is coming in. The low power feature on this model is key too, bluegills live in the weeds during the winter and the low power filters those weeds out of the screen, again allowing you to detect incoming bluegills.<p></p><p>I was able to get my hands on the new Eskimo E40 auger from the good folks at the <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.scheels.com" target="_blank">Cedar Falls SCHEELS</a></span></b> store. I have used every electric auger on the market, each has its pros and cons. This auger, so far has no cons. It was absolutely amazing this winter. Now, this was not your typical winter and I only saw a foot of ice once this entire winter, most winters these augers shine when there is 18+ inches of ice. So far this auger is has impressed me and everyone that has used it. Next winter the real test will come when we get a large amount of ice on the lakes...I hope.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDf2owBh3LX-cAktvjo-X74Y-x1DkLtLhvR-DwbMg5Yyvm5EDQoKbkFuP8dngoLYtxEuZOBCqcHTJzLFQ4mcRyaZFWpO430ZTaCKkGZOGdG5PaLcCUvOTVOtjPa2hDXN_UgFgOfB0Zo48JVyoOCOxSirMglC3FRk19BMge6BnKiV9Sfn7kcuxGZn-jXMs/s1564/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%209.00.29%20AM.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1564" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDf2owBh3LX-cAktvjo-X74Y-x1DkLtLhvR-DwbMg5Yyvm5EDQoKbkFuP8dngoLYtxEuZOBCqcHTJzLFQ4mcRyaZFWpO430ZTaCKkGZOGdG5PaLcCUvOTVOtjPa2hDXN_UgFgOfB0Zo48JVyoOCOxSirMglC3FRk19BMge6BnKiV9Sfn7kcuxGZn-jXMs/w200-h134/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%209.00.29%20AM.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">CLAM Tikka Flash</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Lastly, a new lure. CLAM came out with the Tikka Flash this year. A small horizontal hanging bait with a spinner on it. I tried this bait back in November on some crappies in the boat, right away I noticed the unique fall of this bait. It shimmies down the water column and looks great with side to side action with jigged. It was a great bait this winter for crappies and a few perch. I did make one upgrade to the smallest size of Tikka Flash. I took off the small treble and replaced it with a larger one, this helped the hook-up ratio tremendously. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>On to the open water, it was a short ice season but I made the most out of the few weekends we had to get on the ice. <br /><br /></p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-69289816717259833982024-02-06T20:42:00.000-06:002024-02-07T15:51:32.825-06:00The Prettiest fish swimming?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbS1WPvpp-VPB1-q79LStFWTlhUCNjC4hiI9DqK7RhwPtBV75iecdE-FvZTkhdPESVUfNEHg_vowxmZkek4szMfu-r424OZARJGZsItIBJ8YTP9GuGbzF5tW8WKok_fNMslwTNbJQ2fOlz5UeNDpudKz-9knkS7i2GJCP3dZiMLWXbh-UQyUvo-B0GDVT/s3202/20240201_091342-EDIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3202" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbS1WPvpp-VPB1-q79LStFWTlhUCNjC4hiI9DqK7RhwPtBV75iecdE-FvZTkhdPESVUfNEHg_vowxmZkek4szMfu-r424OZARJGZsItIBJ8YTP9GuGbzF5tW8WKok_fNMslwTNbJQ2fOlz5UeNDpudKz-9knkS7i2GJCP3dZiMLWXbh-UQyUvo-B0GDVT/s320/20240201_091342-EDIT.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />The Yellow perch, which can be found in lakes around Iowa and in the Mississippi River, might be the coolest fish swimming in our Iowa waters. Their bright colors and dark black stripes are unmistakable with any other fish. These fish do not grow very large, a big perch is considered around 12 inches, and if you catch one over 13 inches, that is nearing "trophy size" in this state. Currently, the best place to go after a "trophy" is the Mississippi River. Pools 9, 10, and 11 have good numbers of perch in them. Other top places to search for perch through the ice are; West Lake Okoboji, Spirit Lake, 12-Mile Lake and Brushy Creek to name a few. <p></p><p>Perch are fun to chase around, but you better have a lot of energy and several augers with you. They are a roaming fish and are constantly on the move. You can sit and wait until a group swims by, or you can move around and hunt them down. Hunting them down has always yielded more perch for me, and the more holes you have drilled the better. Using your <b><span style="color: red;"><i><a href="http://www.vexilar.com" target="_blank">Vexilar</a></i></span></b> to move from one hole to the next is so important to catching these fish. Also, a smooth spinning reel is a must. Those big perch do not like the looks of the bottom of the ice and when they get close they are sure to go on a fun, letting that drag sing. It is a beautiful sound, but at the same time you hold your breath! My favorite lure for perch is a spoon. There are many good ones out there, the CLAM Pinhead is great and the CLAM Rattlin PT Spoon are my two favorites. They sink fast, have great paint jobs and the hooks are durable. Another great way to catch perch is using a live minnow with a Tip-Down. These rigs have been popular on the Mississippi River for decades for all types of fish. They really work well on days that the perch just do not want a spoon or a jig. It is worth every penny to pick up a couple, they have saved several days on the ice for me. </p><p>The ice season is coming to a close and if you do not get a chance to get out and chase down some perch this winter, I hope this helps you to catch a few more in the future. Enjoy your time outdoors and be safe out there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O87s07QPQNtcdoPTXxJ1tvnekbJXGdWjYlGkEQU8Xl0rE_Un893VjcvHBQC-aRu8mJbS9bElSC5x-Iwdt9gHeQ8F4yssKIXkGg-lVG32d4P4ivJIz3Jnig8zopvwfy_Z2AUNJMc5W_ojILjqVE5SaXC3u65F8G1TbCydRrpqZrY7DznMwJQ4mB7LC0qj/s4032/20230102_151950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O87s07QPQNtcdoPTXxJ1tvnekbJXGdWjYlGkEQU8Xl0rE_Un893VjcvHBQC-aRu8mJbS9bElSC5x-Iwdt9gHeQ8F4yssKIXkGg-lVG32d4P4ivJIz3Jnig8zopvwfy_Z2AUNJMc5W_ojILjqVE5SaXC3u65F8G1TbCydRrpqZrY7DznMwJQ4mB7LC0qj/s320/20230102_151950.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-12160741214680557412024-01-26T18:54:00.001-06:002024-01-30T15:23:50.418-06:00What's the BEST bait for Winter Crappies?<br /><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIEYbamJ3qbPTvUqUfMGXnUEktoT9v-hGymjVn9RV8wmOFVN6sY4P2VYuIf9OMvzkeQGIS54-6IH_ehQljc_53uPPE2jsAZ-bxdbUAJGiJSEfp8ZYEG-uKlKw5-6EJmamG4h2m5ts1zNBx4WemI5mIRwxm1RiAvUri1XZLFhoMn7SCe_CPqMBXh8DACFC/s4000/20240120_111739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIEYbamJ3qbPTvUqUfMGXnUEktoT9v-hGymjVn9RV8wmOFVN6sY4P2VYuIf9OMvzkeQGIS54-6IH_ehQljc_53uPPE2jsAZ-bxdbUAJGiJSEfp8ZYEG-uKlKw5-6EJmamG4h2m5ts1zNBx4WemI5mIRwxm1RiAvUri1XZLFhoMn7SCe_CPqMBXh8DACFC/w286-h381/20240120_111739.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crappies can't hide when you are <br />watching your VEXILAR.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>The winter of 2023/2024 has not cooperated well with ice anglers, however I have had the opportunity to go out and catch some crappies on four different bodies of water. I love chasing crappies throughout the entire year, and one thing I do know is there is NOT a perfect bait. These fish seem to change their mind on the hour as to what they want to eat. I have a series of baits that I try each time when targeting crappies. Here are those offerings:<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCC2FLccW1arac_4_mFy_DcUq_ZJV4D6RjvG8FFbGVCVjV44ZPq2ciW6GIpMiw5Yb-J_jYOaQGx2Up4vDudLfHSMZQcNpk_CcVc8drQnQxbOOzbobaw0MeyDPVcpmnySDj74Nm3pb0OQgVq9jqsjm4MT6q8Emg0sKT-Wgjpzd_5Y0Jf16b5A_AqLdj0bg/s728/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-30%20at%202.42.01%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="728" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCC2FLccW1arac_4_mFy_DcUq_ZJV4D6RjvG8FFbGVCVjV44ZPq2ciW6GIpMiw5Yb-J_jYOaQGx2Up4vDudLfHSMZQcNpk_CcVc8drQnQxbOOzbobaw0MeyDPVcpmnySDj74Nm3pb0OQgVq9jqsjm4MT6q8Emg0sKT-Wgjpzd_5Y0Jf16b5A_AqLdj0bg/w133-h74/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-30%20at%202.42.01%20PM.png" width="133" /></a></div><div><br /></div>1- I will usually always start with a jig and large plastic. I really like the CLAM Dropkick jig, it has a large hook and the larger plastic really fits on them well. I do not worry much about the style of plastic, just as long as it is larger and appears like a minnow. My favorite color is the white/pink glow jig with a white plastic. I can give it a a quick "glow" in the early mornings or later afternoons to entice a few more bites too. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2- After I have tried the jig and plastic, I have two options to pick from. If I am only catching smaller fish out of the schools, or pairs of crappies that come in, I will switch to a spoon tipped with spikes. This will help me ignore the small crappies and help me catch the larger ones. The second part of this decision is if the jig and plastic is not working at all, then I will switch the plastic out for two or three spikes. This will catch those leery crappies that do like the larger plastic/jig combo.</div><div><br /></div><div>3- If those three baits haven't hooked a desirable fish, then it is time to finesse them. Crappies can be very temperamental and once in a while they want a very small, finesse bait. I always have a finesse jigging rod ready whenever I am on the water. My choice is a "Schooley" set up with 1# line, micro jig and a couple of spikes or micro plastic. A spring bobber helps aid me to see the "up bites" with these finicky fish. This set up is the most basic way to fish, but to be honest, it always seems to work. <br /></div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vn80ES6mdAyd595vRwk2ezOSvPaRllau9NV-5amS954BMQ4DH1ctNF_eSadxTr-YpiheP2uwfegFQ18AHBU0Nzs3e-TvB_pIiTW4l5yG8xyXUqWQxwMwLDqUKXe1eNbZjnhruHIigVZNNG3X5JUVGfyz6OujOaIdXdgjKjnzMb9oefzqoCKWJCTK7uKM/s4000/20240120_133139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vn80ES6mdAyd595vRwk2ezOSvPaRllau9NV-5amS954BMQ4DH1ctNF_eSadxTr-YpiheP2uwfegFQ18AHBU0Nzs3e-TvB_pIiTW4l5yG8xyXUqWQxwMwLDqUKXe1eNbZjnhruHIigVZNNG3X5JUVGfyz6OujOaIdXdgjKjnzMb9oefzqoCKWJCTK7uKM/w227-h303/20240120_133139.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schooley Reel Set-up</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-47612533919746942012024-01-10T20:35:00.001-06:002024-01-11T15:29:57.449-06:00ICE FISHING- What's in my Tackle Box?<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">What’s in my tackle box? ICE FISHING EDITION</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-af6eaa24-7fff-9040-b211-85336b8ef42f"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzdmZPcYJKj0EjvHtw0XPUtQjVvI9A0vfkTWaztptLeWyjW_K94Wzc0_xYrmYDHQSwvOxaBbBH1F2f9IMZD8SiamDs6wCNLJHvJDxg9EiK25IY1kO8ssA0twTv4wC3PWTHqQPfMS-WayaggIMT6CctIIiiFODAT6h-TnrFo_b1UYYBwwKMhpzM4GoZvMC/s3024/20230108_112454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2542" data-original-width="3024" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzdmZPcYJKj0EjvHtw0XPUtQjVvI9A0vfkTWaztptLeWyjW_K94Wzc0_xYrmYDHQSwvOxaBbBH1F2f9IMZD8SiamDs6wCNLJHvJDxg9EiK25IY1kO8ssA0twTv4wC3PWTHqQPfMS-WayaggIMT6CctIIiiFODAT6h-TnrFo_b1UYYBwwKMhpzM4GoZvMC/s320/20230108_112454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ice fishing is in full force right now in Iowa, do you have the baits needed to trick your favorite fish? There are so many options in the world of ice fishing these days, one can become confused very quickly. The next time you are in your favorite outdoor store, you will want to make sure you have these top baits while you are on the ice.</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ice fishing jigs are the most popular bait you will see while out on the ice. These small, micro jigs are specially made for ice fishing. The smaller profile is a must during winter conditions, your jigs from your summertime bluegill box will not catch you as many fish. Ice fishing gear is very specialized due to the time of year. During the winter months the water is very clear, and most fish are feeding on smaller prey than usual. These two reasons are key to matching those circumstances with small lure presentations. Ice fishing jigs come in all sizes, but if your tackle box doesn’t have a good selection of 3mm and 4mm jigs in it, you are missing out on a lot of fish. These sizes seem to be key to tricking panfish during the wintertime. My favorite bait to tip these jigs with are Eurolarvae. These small worms (maggots) are great winter bait, you can put a couple on a jig or load it up with several more to see what the fish like on that day. Larger jigs can be used for walleyes and perch, as they will continue to feed on larger forage throughout the winter. Tip these larger jigs with a minnow for a deadly combination. It appears every ice angler has their favorite jig, or their favorite color of jig. For me, I really like the Clam Dropkick jig. It is different from most of the tear drop jigs that many companies have, and I really like the rocking motion it has in the water. In my many years on the ice I have really narrowed down the color of jigs I buy; black, gold, silver, white, red glow, and green glow. I have found that in almost every situation that one of these colors will work. Most days, it is the size or jig, action of your jigging or the size of bait you have on your hook, experiment with those things before changing colors.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Next up for your tackle box is the spoon section. I can remember a time when spoons were once limited to the Swedish Pimple. In today’s world there are dozens and dozens of companies with their own ice fishing spoons. Spoons are used to target just about every fish that swims under the ice. The smaller the target species, the smaller the spoon should be. The larger the target, such as walleye, the larger the spoon should be. Color, once again, is a personal preference. However, my color choices are even smaller when it comes to spoons. Gold, silver and any color that glows can be found in my tackle box. The glow options work well under low light as well as dirty water, while the gold and silver work anytime of the day. Spoons can be the vertical type, like a Kastmaster, or Clam Pinhead minnow, which stay pretty much below your hole and hang vertically. There are horizontal types of baits too. These baits sit horizontally in the water column, like a minnow swimming. Some popular types of this style are the Clam Tika Mino and the Rapala Jigging Rap. Both, horizontal and vertical types of spoon lures work well, having a few of each is nice to experiment with. Next to these spoons in my tackle box are extra treble hooks. Many companies use a lesser quality treble hook and will wear out after a few dozen fish. Make sure and buy some extra hooks to replace them as needed. Be sure to buy #14 treble hooks, they are perfect for just about any spoon. Another item that I always have on hand are dropper chains. These are small chains that replace the treble hook on a spoon. It “drops” the hook and bait down from the spoon for fish that may be finicky. These can be single hooks or smaller treble hooks. I have seen these really shine during the middle of the day. Fish may have been biting well on spoons, and then they start to shy away. This is your signal to go to a dropper chain, the fish will love it! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa35vMKZSxU5IrRnW7zdHjB0vvd_4zSDuJT-7VzJJS8x8UI_7Xbm-xKwRmxWWmQL9-HBc0OSGvPjfrVPn5wHqAOqRZp1mAL0nekFebBl8AWVEcN4hyl4XSNyLNoJQZqSVnoJY3nTt8uVkr1vS27EOqo-yxkXfhNQ9EjE8_yIVBrAk6GIb9AiSo1cVgAWm/s3177/20230121_124340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3177" data-original-width="2806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa35vMKZSxU5IrRnW7zdHjB0vvd_4zSDuJT-7VzJJS8x8UI_7Xbm-xKwRmxWWmQL9-HBc0OSGvPjfrVPn5wHqAOqRZp1mAL0nekFebBl8AWVEcN4hyl4XSNyLNoJQZqSVnoJY3nTt8uVkr1vS27EOqo-yxkXfhNQ9EjE8_yIVBrAk6GIb9AiSo1cVgAWm/s320/20230121_124340.jpg" width="283" /></a></div></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The last thing, and perhaps the most important is an extra spool of line. I typically use 2-pound monofilament on my panfish spinning reels. It flows nicely off the spool, and the memory is manageable. Having an extra spool ready can save your day, or at least make it more enjoyable. The smaller reels that we use on the ice tend to coil the line and make it brittle. A quick change of line on your favorite reel is easy and only takes a minute of your time on the ice, it may just save your day. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ice fishing has many different baits to fill your tackle box. The best advice is to have a little bit of everything when you hit the ice. Trying different baits and colors at lakes and rivers is key to allowing you to get confidence on those bodies of water. Also, my advice for any ice angler is to use spoons more often. Many times, anglers will have dozens of spoons, but they do not use them much, or maybe only use them for perch or walleyes, this is a big mistake. If you have found a school of fish, it is time for the spoon rod to come out. You may not catch as many bluegills or crappies, but the big ones that you catch will make everyone else in your group jealous! Tie on a few spoons this winter for larger panfish, you won’t be disappointed. Stay safe out there enjoying the wintertime fishing.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcZD6MH8nDkjgX6roVPgcvAekiAxFutBfrMuN-UASy1Lxf26avR63xCZT3FNlgIUPiIj009mvD-CTV0RDnEgEO55u65A1ex5w87qIWPRhefa7702MZtOTa4LcdDNd_UxWDMjwcgAzfkukdf04cz3JriQfHCCzlRonvx-_XhdK2-7SxW5V_HL6kfzVIc-j/s4032/20230119_115417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcZD6MH8nDkjgX6roVPgcvAekiAxFutBfrMuN-UASy1Lxf26avR63xCZT3FNlgIUPiIj009mvD-CTV0RDnEgEO55u65A1ex5w87qIWPRhefa7702MZtOTa4LcdDNd_UxWDMjwcgAzfkukdf04cz3JriQfHCCzlRonvx-_XhdK2-7SxW5V_HL6kfzVIc-j/s320/20230119_115417.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">~~~This story appears in The Iowa Sportsman Magazine, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">to catch a glimpse of the magazine <a href="https://www.flipsnack.com/twinriversmedia/iowa-sportsman-february-2024/full-view.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>~~~</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-89686990133619006372023-12-04T20:25:00.006-06:002023-12-05T11:24:09.785-06:00The VEXILAR FLX-28 and FLX-30BB<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Wl_B63AyI9ID-NsHVaRgVWI8sQLWC4xHYpNpglw6ZTG9jSHUDqyYd9a5UTbAfmWlJe4ySwaIS8Tcp7eOOs9wjXX9QIb2C5LNVIXsaX67jbw1dB16pyueBK1JzF-JnJkMDr0LsUpcBmX6jeHUDG02sxbMdxcgIF0qvzZ5fIxIPr-ppHy0N_6_b_A-50Lg/s1168/flx30.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Wl_B63AyI9ID-NsHVaRgVWI8sQLWC4xHYpNpglw6ZTG9jSHUDqyYd9a5UTbAfmWlJe4ySwaIS8Tcp7eOOs9wjXX9QIb2C5LNVIXsaX67jbw1dB16pyueBK1JzF-JnJkMDr0LsUpcBmX6jeHUDG02sxbMdxcgIF0qvzZ5fIxIPr-ppHy0N_6_b_A-50Lg/s320/flx30.png" width="274" /></a></div><br />In the fall of 2020 <b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: red;"><a href="http://www.vexilar.com" target="_blank">Vexilar</a></span> </b>introduced their newest flasher, the FLX-30BB. After three seasons of using this model on the ice, as well as the FLX28, FLX20 and FLX12, the 30 has become my favorite everyday flasher. If you are still using the FLX12 and FLX20, and you should they are great flashers too, it may be time to upgrade to utilize more options that the 28 and 30 give you. Let's take a big dive into the 28 and 30 models from Vexilar.<p></p><p></p><p><b><i><u>Technical advances that sets the FLX30BB apart from ALL other flashers: </u></i></b>The BB stands for Broad-Band, or different settings for your transducer in kHz power. The settings range from 160kHz to 300kHz can be changed with the push of a button. In the 160kHz setting the unit will show you a 15-degree cone angle, and can be adjusted down to an 8-degree cone angle in the 300kHz setting (7 different cones angles in total). Another new feature is the addition to a third zoom option. This unit will allow you to zoom to the bottom 18 feet of water, along with the standard 6 foot and 12 foot options available on other models. This larger zoom area is perfect for deep water lakes. Vexilar also added a 15-foot range on the manual range settings for this unit. Another new feature on the FLX-30 is the ability to choose from normal(high) power, medium power or low power. Using these three options along with the 7 different cone angles it allows you to fish under 21 different settings with one transducer. Lastly, it comes standard with a 9amh Vexilar Lithium Battery, which will power the flasher for a couple of days.</p><p><b><i><u>On the Ice:</u></i></b> The biggest advantage I have seen is how much smaller the lines on the screen showing your bait and fish are. This allows for precise jigging, and location of fish. This has also made fishing brush piles much easier with less clutter on the screen. Another great upgrade on this unit is the medium power, it has really been great for fishing weed beds. Other Vexilar units offer either high or low power, much of the time low power takes away too much of what we can see down below the ice, while the medium power option is a perfect fit in most weedy situations. Another nice upgrade to the FLX30 is the ability to change zoom settings by pushing the gain button. On other units you must turn the dial to change zoom settings, which can be cumbersome with gloves on, a small thing I have noticed but has been a very nice difference. Multiple cone angles is an important part of ice fishing, the new Broad-Band transducer on the FLX30 is even better. With a press of a button I can cycle through the seven different cone angles very quickly to see which screen I like. When searching fish 160kHz is best as it has the largest cone angle of 15-degrees. However, when fishing near brush, weeds or on top of a large school of fish, the narrower the cone angle the better. I will be able to pick out my jig and how the fish are reacting to it much easier in a 9-degree cone. Again, this is done by pressing the gain button and you can cycle through all 7 cone angles in the matter of a few seconds to see which screen looks the best for that particular hole you are fishing. As you cycle through the different cone angles they narrow down as you push the gain button. It really is amazing how a small tweak can let you see so much more of what you want to see.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOfKxRCV0jqfSxNQfEjjE3nq2BJ6qbKGfZe3eY6N31K0fUiBVeAXnZtOmbRUG3mYvdOfUtK1vgXy6pI_hVBiCNioWq3KO3dDFneii03gr9cjV4K0g8SRuF_Ex2ka39orzPnkcHWhCjXhEiYs2nu87PeDoSjM-dJypsozZYlSyWOzxtTqQEDS_RmUktc3j/s1129/v28.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOfKxRCV0jqfSxNQfEjjE3nq2BJ6qbKGfZe3eY6N31K0fUiBVeAXnZtOmbRUG3mYvdOfUtK1vgXy6pI_hVBiCNioWq3KO3dDFneii03gr9cjV4K0g8SRuF_Ex2ka39orzPnkcHWhCjXhEiYs2nu87PeDoSjM-dJypsozZYlSyWOzxtTqQEDS_RmUktc3j/s320/v28.png" width="283" /></a></div><i style="font-weight: bold;">FLX-28: </i>This model is still the "king" of finding fish under the ice. The Pro-View transducer, which is standard on the FLX28, has the capability of widening your cone angle to 30+ degrees. When used correctly this a huge advantage to anglers. If you do not have Forward Facing Sonar but want to get as much as possible out of drilling holes to find fish, then the FLX28 is the one for you. Mathematically speaking, the FLX12 or FLX20 (with the standard 12-degree ice ducer) can see a diameter of about 4.5 feet in 20 feet of water. The FLX28 can show you upwards of 12 feet of diameter in 20 foot of water. That is three times fewer holes while searching for brush, weeds or schools of fish. Again, by turning the gain up you increase the cone size of the Pro-View ice ducer, making it ideal to minimize the holes you drill and maximize what you see under the ice. Then when fishing, adjust the gain down to whatever cone angle fits your situation. It is a WIN-WIN for ice anglers.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p>Both of these above mentioned Vexilar products are top-notch. The FLX30 is $80 more, but the extra features are worth it. As you can see there are many advantages to the new FLX30BB, it is a fantastic system for those that like to visit many different lakes with unique fishing situations. There has not been one situation that I have not been able to fine-tune the FLX30 to fit my every need. It has led to more fish, no doubt. Let me know if you have further questions about the FLX28 or FLX30, there are many locations to get a closer look near you.</p><p>Email: treedbass@yahoo.com</p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-599253736631035102023-11-27T20:21:00.001-06:002023-11-28T11:27:33.926-06:00Holiday Ice Fishing Gear<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IvfFMkR3LWv0S25bCfgTZPC6CbNToPK_YLWCpLR7efjKZqSIrmOHFrsaHAwLceJ4-AiSDuiKFdL_igYrBfApiQFGcW6MH3703Io4uDOLApHHhAsC6CQ-2q3tFQCv5MMPA5Vjr1W8Ajc5xIG78RrvrEEQgsBuqrrXCE8eoJ9SEzC6Kyof8PJ_Czitqi31/s1298/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-28%20at%2011.21.13%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1298" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IvfFMkR3LWv0S25bCfgTZPC6CbNToPK_YLWCpLR7efjKZqSIrmOHFrsaHAwLceJ4-AiSDuiKFdL_igYrBfApiQFGcW6MH3703Io4uDOLApHHhAsC6CQ-2q3tFQCv5MMPA5Vjr1W8Ajc5xIG78RrvrEEQgsBuqrrXCE8eoJ9SEzC6Kyof8PJ_Czitqi31/w491-h230/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-28%20at%2011.21.13%20AM.png" width="491" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">~ This article appears in the The Iowa Sportsman Magazine, December 2023~</p><p>Soon, the entire state of Iowa will be covered with snow and ice, at least that is what Ice Fishermen are hoping for. Ice anglers from across the state are hoping for colder weather every day so they can explore their favorite lake or river during the winter fishing season. Whether you have been ice fishing for decades or are new to the game, your equipment is as valuable to your success as the ice you are walking on. Having an appropriate lineup of ice fishing gear will make your day on the ice easier and have you catching more fish. Let’s break down the must-have equipment of all anglers heading out on the ice. </p><p>Clothing: In the summer we must endure the heat, while ice fishing we must brave frigid temperatures to chase down fish. Your clothing choices are your first line of defense against the harsh Iowa winters. While many anglers like to sit in an ice shack while ice fishing, you still need to get onto the ice, prepare your fishing area and get back off the ice safely too. Having an insulated pair of boots that are waterproof is your first concern. Drilling holes and walking through snow will show how an ordinary pair of boots will ruin a trip before you even get to fishing. Insulated coveralls that are also waterproof should be at the top of your list as well. Many companies make bibs and coats specifically for ice fishing, these typically are waterproof and will keep you nice and warm. Many anglers use hunting bibs and coats that serve the same purpose as well. Underneath your shell covering you will always want to layer your clothing. If you sit in a heated shack or move around all day drilling 100 holes, you will get hot, this isn’t good either. The sweat you produce will linger and send chills to your body when you cool down. Layering will help you maintain your body heat as you remove and put the clothing back on during your fishing day. Another great article of clothing to help maintain your body temperature is a stocking cap. They keep in the warmth but are easy to take on/off as you get warm and cold throughout the day. Lastly, a good pair of gloves that slide on and off easily are an ice angler's best friend. Working with the small tackle, rods, reels, and electronics, you will need to take off and put on the gloves numerous times in a day.</p><p>Baits: Ice anglers have so many choices these days, it is hard to even keep up. Most baits can be split into two groups to help simplify things. Ice jigs and spoons are favorites all over the state for all kinds of species. Tungsten jigs have taken over the jig boxes of ice anglers in the last decade, and for a good reason. They are smaller in profile due to their higher density than lead, making them perfect for panfish. They come in many sizes, however if you are just getting started, I would recommend the 3mm or 4mm size for panfish. Like any fishing lure, these small jigs come in more colors than Crayola has ever invented. Have a variety of colors on hand, from whites to darker colors as well as some glow-in-the-dark varieties. Spoons and horizontal baits, like the Tikka Mino and Z-Viber, have become popular for larger species like walleye and the different varieties of bass. They are great for crappies and perch as well. Again, have a variety of a few colors, and don’t forget the ones that glow. Visit your local tackle dealer to check out all the great companies that make these specialized ice fishing baits. </p><p>Rods/Reels/Line: Ice fishing rods and reels are specifically designed for ice anglers. There are so many to choose from these days, it really comes down to how much you want to invest in your hobby. There are great rod/reel combos on the market for about $60, and there are specialty rods out there for sale for $120 or more. The more important thing to know about selecting rods and reels is the taper of the rod, or sensitivity. Like mentioned above, you will be using very tiny jigs while out on the ice, as well as spoons, which weigh a lot more than the jigs. At minimum you need a rod for jigs and a rod for spoons, several for each is ideal. When using the tiny jigs, you will want to use a spring bobber or a rod that is super sensitive at the tip. That tip needs to “load” when your jig is tied on. If your rod tip is not bending while the jigs hang freely in the air, then that rod will not be a good jig rod. You need to be able to detect the smallest bites, and if the rod you are using is not showing you the weight of your jig, it certainly will not show you a soft bite. A spring bobber is the best way to go if you are starting out in the hobby or have not had the best success. There are many spring bobber rods on the market, Clam Outdoors, a leader in the ice fishing world has several at different price points. A spring bobber is a small wire that extends out from the rod tip adding the ultimate sensitivity to your rod. They can be a bit cumbersome when transporting them, but they are well worth it when using small jigs. If you want to chase crappies, walleyes, yellow or white bass then a spooning combo is what you will need. The same physics apply when choosing a rod for a spoon, it needs to “load” the rod when you have it tied on. My favorite spoon rod is the Jason Mitchell Series, Dead Meat Combo from Clam Outdoors. This combo is ideal for any spoon and comes with a nice compact reel which stays smooth during the winter months. The reels on the rods are not quite as important as a fine-tuned rod, but a reel without a good drag system is useless. When purchasing a combo from different companies like Clam or Scheels it will most likely have a size “10” reel. These are a good all-around fit for most anglers, however if you are purchasing the rod and reel separately, I would encourage you to try a size “15” reel. The larger size is nice to hold in cold weather and the spool allows your line to fall off a bit easier than a size “10” reel. This is a switch I have been going through for the past five years or so and it has really simplified things for me. Although not a rod/reel combo, a tip up or tip down are very good tools for an ice angler as well. These are live bait rigs, the tip up is typically a large fish rig, northern pike and walleye are the target fish to catch on these rigs with a live chub or bait fish. A tip down is a simple rig used to present a live minnow to crappies or perch. These do count towards your limit of 2 lines per licensed angler, so if you are jigging, you may only have one of these devices out. Check your DNR regulations, as the Mississippi River has its own set of rules on these rigs. </p><p>Auger: Ice fishing is full of choices these days, there are so many good companies out there that produce nice equipment to help us catch fish on the ice. Augers are no different, there are several varieties of augers on the market, gas powered, propane powered, and electric powered. In the state of Iowa, an electric powered auger is probably your best bet, and it is the best choice economically also. Gas and propane augers are best when the ice is two feet or thicker, when drilling dozens and dozens of holes is not practical with electric augers. However, most lakes in the states do not reach that thick of ice. An electric auger, either powered by the manufacturer drill or your own personal work drill is a reliable choice. Eskimo and Strikemaster both make great eclectic augers, but both will cost around $500. Most ice anglers are turning to their drills in their garages and attaching an auger bit to them. Using your own drill and batteries with a purchased auger bit is by far the cheapest way to go. Again, there are many good choices of auger bits out there, some made of metal, some made mostly of plastic. I really like the <span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://kdrillauger.com/" target="_blank">K-Drill</a></span></b></span> for most of the ice fishing season. It is very light, and the blades have a lifetime of free sharpening, that’s right, buy one auger and you have sharp blades for the rest of your life for free. If you ice fish a lot you will probably go through at least one set of blades per year, if not two. My advice, try a few different ones to see which one you prefer, and which one fits your style.</p><p>Ice fishing is finally in sight for most of the state, something I have been looking forward to since Labor Day. I love the fall season of fishing, but there is something magical about walking on frozen water and catching fish. Next month we will tackle all the electronic side of ice fishing, until then, stay safe and good luck.</p><div><br /></div>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-23037775333377290982023-11-20T19:39:00.005-06:002023-11-29T13:53:01.732-06:00A CRAPPIE Fall & Fish Cleaning Tip<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hv_ywxUK2QQncdKNVbtLIMoZMQQyYpxsZdK-QpEmSI_u2Beuv5bpQa8TuUp_4Lp2aOlMjLChV812mWvMxZUDxcs-6BSW2elWaQgMFi6QDfabXvXEmThMhbCgP6t8G5h3v7GOc9dneQjnN1TTl-M70UtWbEzQO4x4GkogrXmFAY0PofSv9bO_F3a9iKKo/s2640/20231028_181446.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hv_ywxUK2QQncdKNVbtLIMoZMQQyYpxsZdK-QpEmSI_u2Beuv5bpQa8TuUp_4Lp2aOlMjLChV812mWvMxZUDxcs-6BSW2elWaQgMFi6QDfabXvXEmThMhbCgP6t8G5h3v7GOc9dneQjnN1TTl-M70UtWbEzQO4x4GkogrXmFAY0PofSv9bO_F3a9iKKo/s320/20231028_181446.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />The weather this fall has been overall very nice. The weekend weather has offered some beautiful<br /> temperatures to get outside and enjoy some fishing. Typically this time of year bass take up most of my time, this fall held true to that. However, I did find myself enjoying some crappie fishing on several bodies of water too. I was able to take several trips with friends and family, all enjoying some crappies coming into the boat. The crappies did not seem to be affected by the up and down water temperatures as the bass were, making bass fishing up and down this fall. The crappies held true and allowed many hours of enjoyment. I find myself chasing crappies and gills more and more each year on the boat. My winter is consumed by panfish through the ice, and this fall was a great warm up! Different types of jigs and colors all worked throughout the fall, some days certain colors worked better than others, but I pretty much narrowed it down to a green or pink leadhead with a variety of plastic trailers. It seemed the crappies this fall did get educated, as you caught a few out of a brushpile or dock, a change in color or jig action was needed to catch a few more. I always say it, "let the fish tell you what they want", don't force it and don't become a creature of habit. By mixing things up as the days went on, we were able to keep catching crappies. Catching crappies is awesome, however eating them is the real treat! <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8pFu6CSCr1wAUbGamxTxyR2RaBrN0QObwaVUu559T5picmd8hzLY0K3sfE33eE8KUkkpK4sfGotjpi6MrdOcmOG8OWHy2hxqvcucsQ2AQ71Y6vquZtc3QGysGH7_fzdOqQkrtEaAmPz41V5vDhN7QPAf95EdftTnFOYJyMOnQQkG4dMl07v0us2g-AUQ/s4032/20231120_201204.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8pFu6CSCr1wAUbGamxTxyR2RaBrN0QObwaVUu559T5picmd8hzLY0K3sfE33eE8KUkkpK4sfGotjpi6MrdOcmOG8OWHy2hxqvcucsQ2AQ71Y6vquZtc3QGysGH7_fzdOqQkrtEaAmPz41V5vDhN7QPAf95EdftTnFOYJyMOnQQkG4dMl07v0us2g-AUQ/s320/20231120_201204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bleeding out crappie makes the cleaning<br />process much cleaner and the <br />fillets will turn out pure white.</td></tr></tbody></table>CLEANING TIP: Crappies are one of my favorite fish to eat. I prefer to fry them in a dry batter or bake them to make fish tacos. One major thing I have been doing doing for many years is <br />bleeding the crappies out. No matter if I am on the ice or in the boat, bleeding out crappies is the way to go. Slicing them right under the "chin" and letting them bleed out allows you to have the whitest fillets you will ever see. It makes cleaning them so much nicer as well, no bloody cleaning table that makes everything messy. While ice fishing this process can be done immediately as the fish lays on the ice it will bleed out. While in a boat you will want to wait until the end of your trip. When keeping fish, there are two things to consider, keep them alive to clean them or get them on ice. This preserves the meat for maximum taste and the fillets will stay nice and firm. <p></p><p>Only a couple more weeks in the boat...the ICE will be here soon!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-3578329581058056642023-11-15T20:48:00.001-06:002023-11-16T08:58:11.763-06:00Slow, Slow and SLOWER<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n2MpGKjdY6khFgJ6um_ynpPImKaXO4fnU85hBh4zV6wTdTs5Zgg0Tb8CooATl8YeEN_7zbSP7HEcFj49VJX-KKZk7DwsyKsUzlYZqj4CmGpgHIEvOIzOeG5aJP2zj6Dhg4zbCVyg6eLfV1uorapgqNK4aGN-NE02Z1fF9qeGeYCu4Gn72w5NnceJ72iA/s2640/20231114_163842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n2MpGKjdY6khFgJ6um_ynpPImKaXO4fnU85hBh4zV6wTdTs5Zgg0Tb8CooATl8YeEN_7zbSP7HEcFj49VJX-KKZk7DwsyKsUzlYZqj4CmGpgHIEvOIzOeG5aJP2zj6Dhg4zbCVyg6eLfV1uorapgqNK4aGN-NE02Z1fF9qeGeYCu4Gn72w5NnceJ72iA/s320/20231114_163842.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> There are just a few weeks left for boat fishing here in Iowa for the season and anglers across the state have been enjoying this nice weather. No matter what your favorite species is, this time of year when that water dips below 45 degrees, you must slow down. On a recent quick 1-hour trip looking for bass, I was reminded of this once again. The water was beautiful and 48 degrees, the weather was so nice, so why not throw a spinnerbait? That wasted about half my fishing time along with throwing a swimbait. I then changed to jig and chunk. It didn't take long, I worked it as slow and picked up a bite right away, however the hook didn't connect. I slowed down even more and the bass loved it. This time of year when you thing you are going slow enough, you probably need to go slower. Enjoy the last few days in the boat...it is time to start shifting into ICE FISHING MODE!<br /><p></p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-72130677118891302192023-11-13T20:53:00.001-06:002023-11-14T11:08:18.309-06:00Fall Bass Fishing...what a mess!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLTGywsuXUCx5nXfwU-BGeYfPuSAlW7x2c9Cr-uiOm81sz0bCSNTI4u8OfHXi8LYLT8O7wvFnuUzMbmUSv_NKNW03KbHnxV_imWzDI9etvtMqHEaXxn0OQPxTTTfvS22_0EvfVsNvLad_CaHfqZhsTOVRjMXo0p4rbz-3bqmqhXbo4j13nLwRTJYHJBv7/s4032/20231105_141859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLTGywsuXUCx5nXfwU-BGeYfPuSAlW7x2c9Cr-uiOm81sz0bCSNTI4u8OfHXi8LYLT8O7wvFnuUzMbmUSv_NKNW03KbHnxV_imWzDI9etvtMqHEaXxn0OQPxTTTfvS22_0EvfVsNvLad_CaHfqZhsTOVRjMXo0p4rbz-3bqmqhXbo4j13nLwRTJYHJBv7/w301-h401/20231105_141859.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />This fall started out great in October, the temps slowly cooled down and the bass increased their appetite each week. Things were going as planned in the world of bass fishing until the late October winter weather arrived. Those few days of below freezing weather really turned the fish off, it was such a drop in temperatures the bass didn't know what to do. Now, sitting here on a Monday night with temperatures reaching into the 60's for the entire week, what are the bass supposed to do. Water temperatures in this area were 41 last weekend, typical for early November, just a day ago the water temp was 44, excuse me Mother Nature, wrong way! All experienced anglers know that consistency is key in the fall and the spring, we have had very little of that this fall. In turn, the bass have not reacted with a typical fall bite window that is normally great. Bass have been caught, but certainly not in the numbers or size of a typical fall. <p></p><p>This fall reminds me as an angler, no matter what sometimes, the fish and their environment are what we are in, they dictate what happens, and ultimately how they will react to weather patterns, for the better or for the worse. </p><p>I will keep at it, who knows, in a couple days I may be back throwing TOPWATER baits for them! :)</p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-41806553957188664092023-10-25T19:41:00.001-05:002023-10-26T10:32:16.805-05:00Indee Bass Club Year in Review<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZYQCcPgO5pDNFdWip6KBIx8W3dAzZPBWIN7LNRrAfh02HmnRbstszguLmiPArSdovfJRnO5N6NWJVjf_Q-hc8Kxt46bgBfYMOXZYG2noLPd9YUZziSMFqVFbtrH5uUzCTJpo1nTsMrGPXjQwIQPWB1S_8tgUI34CotY4b47BHQELapUyz4omoqd46gIo/s4032/20231012_192012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZYQCcPgO5pDNFdWip6KBIx8W3dAzZPBWIN7LNRrAfh02HmnRbstszguLmiPArSdovfJRnO5N6NWJVjf_Q-hc8Kxt46bgBfYMOXZYG2noLPd9YUZziSMFqVFbtrH5uUzCTJpo1nTsMrGPXjQwIQPWB1S_8tgUI34CotY4b47BHQELapUyz4omoqd46gIo/w318-h424/20231012_192012.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2023 Angler of the Year: Colton Cameron<br />and Coach Todd Reed</td></tr></tbody></table>The 2023 Indee Bass Club fishing season has come to an end. A few weeks ago, the club had their end of the season banquet. Many awards were passed out at this event and a record number of families and friends of the club were in attendance. The bass club offered students of the Independence community a fishing event every month from April through October. Let's look at these events and which anglers took home end of the season awards.<br />April brought some very cold weather to Eastern Iowa, causing this event to be pushed back a week. With temperatures in the low forties and wind gusts up to thirty miles per hour, Coach Reed along with President EJ Miller and Vice President Ranger Reed decided it would be best to postpone the first event. This was a wise decision as the weather was horrible that day. The rescheduled tournament was held on the Wapsi River here in Independence. The weather was much better that day and 18 kids participated in the April event. Colton Cameron and Carter Eddy were the champs that day, they caught three bass that weighed 5.36 pounds. Gable Eddy caught the big bass of the event, a smallmouth bass that weighed 3.35 pounds. <br />The May event was the annual Iowa High School Bass Team Championship held at MacBride Lake. Forty-Nine boats (98 anglers) from seventeen different schools took part in this event, including several boats from the Indee Bass Club. The top placing team from Independence was Jackson Beatty and Gable Eddy. They were 4th place out of those 49 boats. Team Independence (calculated by the top two boats) placed 2nd out of the 17 schools.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYThuN4suoigl1bZqiR1ZU1LSjdtN8soDxhmM2AJKwkG6p8V0Qf_H2rH1W5bOTQFNunxd5Ddpvtn6WYFTvJaGksTZAG2goTrshyphenhyphenAJB8hX0sAWFHUJqzrirMLsGbeV6Dh1sH-QU6IZG6ny9rix7UT0XV2sa3S41qvGaJ8OZBmGg0Lr4pLEZ7HPHEBM3a7N/s4032/20230503_204055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYThuN4suoigl1bZqiR1ZU1LSjdtN8soDxhmM2AJKwkG6p8V0Qf_H2rH1W5bOTQFNunxd5Ddpvtn6WYFTvJaGksTZAG2goTrshyphenhyphenAJB8hX0sAWFHUJqzrirMLsGbeV6Dh1sH-QU6IZG6ny9rix7UT0XV2sa3S41qvGaJ8OZBmGg0Lr4pLEZ7HPHEBM3a7N/s320/20230503_204055.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April Wapsi Champs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br />As the students moved into summer, the bass club traveled to Pleasant Creek Lake near Palo, Iowa. Once again Colton Cameron and Carter Eddy came away with the win. They had a five fish limit that weighed 10.85#. Carter also had the big bass of the event, it weighed 3.24 pounds. <br />July was home once again to the annual "scramble event". This event randomly partners anglers and captains together to fish for the night. It was a gorgeous night on the Wapsi River and a lot of bass were brought to the scales. Colton Cameron and Will Clark found the winning bass, they had a three keeper limit that weighed 6.35 pounds, Colton also had the big bass that weighed 2.36 pounds. <br />The Iowa Bass Nation State Tournament was held in August on Pool 10 of the Mississippi River. Again, teams from all over the state participated in this event, the Indee Bass Club had 5 boats represented. The highest placing Independence team was Cal Sweeney and Hunter Sherwood, they placed 11th out of 37 High School teams. Later this month a virtual fishing tournament was held. Anglers from all over Independence fish whenever their schedule allowed and sent pictures of their catches on a ruler to Coach Reed. The top three anglers were 1st- Carter Eddy, 2nd- Clinton Junk, 3rd- Ranger Reed.<br />As school started back up again for the students, excitement around the September tournament grew. The last points tournament of the year was scheduled at Lake Delhi, and that would decide who was Angler of the Year for 2023. Fourteen students fished in this tournament, and every boat weighed bass in, a first for the year. Ranger Reed and Jackson Wolf were the Delhi Champions, they had five keeper bass that weighed 8.55 pounds, included in that was Ranger's Big Bass, a smallmouth bass that weighed 3.00 pounds.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfvwwYPLIPxQTZ-hCdE0B1k6o7-0cuwLkJCgv9JGCIHGi4T9lmcdeMTP1mlB3fCKx6lLM3YCiDk72iIIlrFVdfcHouwGbB6pUjYFx5X5nc3EYEw7mkZRsx7QNj3NAzLtTzinYIsweKGsrLe_npDIDAHn40dssICKwbUoJo9WirwYCYhDyEyOh_I19rcrP/s4032/20230513_135906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfvwwYPLIPxQTZ-hCdE0B1k6o7-0cuwLkJCgv9JGCIHGi4T9lmcdeMTP1mlB3fCKx6lLM3YCiDk72iIIlrFVdfcHouwGbB6pUjYFx5X5nc3EYEw7mkZRsx7QNj3NAzLtTzinYIsweKGsrLe_npDIDAHn40dssICKwbUoJo9WirwYCYhDyEyOh_I19rcrP/s320/20230513_135906.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gable & Jackson at the HS Team Championship</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br />A special event took place in October. The Highway 20 Bass Club Battle, for the second year in a row took place between the Cedar Falls Fishing Team and the Indee Bass Club. The Indee Bass Club won this event in 2022 on Lake Delhi, but in 2023 it was Cedar Falls that picked the venue. The Cedar River in Waverly was the site for this year’s event. Once again, the Indee Bass Club came away with the team win. In this unique format that places one club versus another, all boats go out fishing like a typical tournament, however at the end of the day only the top three boats from each team count in the club totals. The Indee Bass Club was led by Wyatt Mether and Carson Hanoway, they had 11.02 pounds, Ranger Reed and Jackson Wolf had 10.81 pounds including Ranger's big bass that weighed 4.40 pounds, and the third team was Colton Cameron and Carter Eddy with 9.16 pounds. The total was 30.99 pounds compared to 25.66 pounds that Cedar Falls was able to weigh in. It was a great fall day of fishing, and the traveling plaque once again is displayed at the Independence Junior/Senior High!<br />The Indee Bass Club is run by volunteer coach Todd Reed. Garry Anderson and Keith Donnelly assist at events as well. This club is free for any student in the Independence or St. John's school system. The club was able to give out fishing gear and gift cards throughout the entire year at every event, totaling several thousands of dollars. The club also pays for memberships for students which includes a subscription to the Bassmaster magazine. These great perks available to students would not be possible without the help of our great sponsors: Colony Plumbing/Heating and AC, BankIowa, Buchanan County Wildlife Association, Cy & Charley's, Tim Reed State Farm, Rick Wendling Memorial, Klever Concrete, Shay's Minn Kota, Scheels of Cedar Falls, Hank's Bait and Tackle, Quantum Rods and Reels, Hot Rod Baits, The Rod Glove and X-Zone Lures. This great list of sponsors keeps all these activities free for students and puts fishing gear in their hands for future enjoyment. Another huge shoutout to the many "Captains" that took the kids out fishing, many are parents of students, and some are just volunteers to help the next generation enjoy the great sport of bass fishing. These captains include Todd Reed, Dan Sweeney, Brian Miller, Jackson Toale, Cyrus Butters, Travis Butters, Dave Wilson, Chris Weepie, Steve Bley, Shane Beatty, Garry Anderson, Andy Sommerfelt, Kevin Christensen, Aaron Svoboda, Chuck Lee and Chad O'Brien.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xdoyvvfOSve1bWz2jIJ7-KSLNTfH1pa1qlATCWXRQEGxK5sVU9DGqg32ud2Q4L0ILcclnDzJgY4Hcqdbe8n04Fr8bkejkbDh-Lv_eJ7XuosJSSTnDK8h9e3GUcZRtil91brV6hKHgGMb7Gb1O55M_qs1KUX45VagQM0xSbse3RznXppLbo-H6-mye1qQ/s4032/20231007_133132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xdoyvvfOSve1bWz2jIJ7-KSLNTfH1pa1qlATCWXRQEGxK5sVU9DGqg32ud2Q4L0ILcclnDzJgY4Hcqdbe8n04Fr8bkejkbDh-Lv_eJ7XuosJSSTnDK8h9e3GUcZRtil91brV6hKHgGMb7Gb1O55M_qs1KUX45VagQM0xSbse3RznXppLbo-H6-mye1qQ/s320/20231007_133132.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hwy20 Bass Club Battle CHAMPS</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br />It is hard to believe that fall is here, and winter is just around the corner. As the seventh year of the Indee Bass Club came to an end, the annual awards banquet caps off all the great accomplishments brought forward by the members of the club. The awards banquet took place on October 12th. The largest group ever showed up to celebrate with the club members with cookies and milk enjoyed by all. During each club event, four in total, anglers accumulate points towards the Angler of the Year. A 1st place gets you 10 points, 2nd place 9 points, 3rd place 8points, etc. When all things were calculated, Jackson Beatty was in 5th place, Ranger Reed in 4th Place, Gable Eddy finished in 3rd Place, Carter Eddy in second place and Colton Cameron was crowned the 2023 Angler of the Year. Ranger Reed earned this title in 2022, and Jackson Toale won it in 2021. Anglers that weighed in a limit at a tournament received their 2023 Limit Medals, those included Will Clark, Ben Anderson, Colton Cameron, Carter Eddy, Jackson Beatty, Gable Eddy, Ranger Reed, Carter Cameron, Hunter Weepie, EJ Miller, Owen Latwesen, Jackson Wolf. The Big Bass of the year award went to Gable Eddy, he weighed in a 3.35# smallmouth bass he caught on the Wapsi River. <br />It was a great year for the anglers and a lot was learned about the sport of bass fishing. Again, the Indee Bass Club thanks all fourteen of the different boat captains for their help and the sponsors for allowing the club to give away fishing gear and gift cards to help build the kids' equipment and enjoyment of fishing. Kids have already voted on places to fish for the 2024 season and planning is already happening to ensure another great season for the Indee Bass Club. You can find out more information about the club on their Facebook, Instagram and website, search them out for pictures and information.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCcrDAoInhJWYDr6TwfW0JHZq8Gh4NvSBySnGswuGRZWONZ9dfDIyyPA4rStGQQMJNRiNMYDQ9R_8a_simEaGL3NFiJMY-5noz1qJFOhRpPtgAVrLzqJD-wgCNqIsLF1Co_1Sa9T3dkRps4iQKpIrCtP2Cv7VzrSY1Rkt0x1TkNgs4qCzFThmcXVEgZe8/s960/IBC23Sponsors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCcrDAoInhJWYDr6TwfW0JHZq8Gh4NvSBySnGswuGRZWONZ9dfDIyyPA4rStGQQMJNRiNMYDQ9R_8a_simEaGL3NFiJMY-5noz1qJFOhRpPtgAVrLzqJD-wgCNqIsLF1Co_1Sa9T3dkRps4iQKpIrCtP2Cv7VzrSY1Rkt0x1TkNgs4qCzFThmcXVEgZe8/w569-h320/IBC23Sponsors.jpg" width="569" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1>2023 SPONSORS</h1></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-90211429086849709882023-10-18T20:09:00.006-05:002023-10-19T19:29:56.745-05:004 Rivers in 4 Weekends<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdTUSKxCQ4LifIFI0E2giVrnbm6vMopk3-015palspVvn1-WXbSUEImbuG4VvLc5bC0KHbNUBq-glX-yylIe0JymcZT9t25DxeZJ_gX7-s6iNxH9c9FgAgv-UCzkvpp7Q-LVF8R6CpICErZbL4RSDOGxF6oA1Lwq013ZjqdssRrdakcUQlzHqcIPbQPwH/s2640/20230916_191141.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdTUSKxCQ4LifIFI0E2giVrnbm6vMopk3-015palspVvn1-WXbSUEImbuG4VvLc5bC0KHbNUBq-glX-yylIe0JymcZT9t25DxeZJ_gX7-s6iNxH9c9FgAgv-UCzkvpp7Q-LVF8R6CpICErZbL4RSDOGxF6oA1Lwq013ZjqdssRrdakcUQlzHqcIPbQPwH/w354-h472/20230916_191141.jpg" width="354" /></a></div>Fall in Northeast Iowa means one thing to me...time to get on the rivers as much as possible. While thinking back this week, I realized I have fished four different river systems in the past four weekends...something I have never done before. It started off on the Mississippi River near Lansing, then the Maquoketa River near Manchester, then my adventures took me to the Cedar River near Waverly and of course, lastly the Wapsipinicon River in Independence. All four of these are very different, however there were definitely some similarities at each river that will always be consistent. River bass love Texas Rigged <span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://www.hotrodbaits.com" target="_blank">Hot Rod Baits</a></span> tubes, they love <span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #fcff01;"><a href="http://www.imalures.com" target="_blank">IMA crankbaits</a></span> and they love current. These are all things I have come to find out over the years and in the fall it can be no truer. October is special time on the rivers of Iowa, smallmouth bass really start to show up like no other time of the year. As the water temperatures dip into the low fifties and high fourties, the smallmouth start feeding up, they know winter is around the corner. The weather patterns are a bit behind the typical year, this past weekend the Wapsi River still had water temperatures around 54 degrees. It is close to the prime time of the year, but not quite there yet. It does make for some fantastic fishing, and applying those baits with a proper <span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: red;"><a href="http://www.quantumfishing.com" target="_blank">Quantum </a></span>combo just makes things that much sweeter. <p></p><p>I have started to see the bass slowly get out of the current, several weeks ago on the Cedar River, anywhere that you could visually see current, you would catch bass. More recently on the Wapsi River, the bass are not currently in those current areas. I do believe as the cooler weather moves in, the bass will rush to the current areas once again for some easy food, and then start to migrate to their winter haunts. </p><p>It is an exciting time of year to chase bass, and any day could be your best day of the year. Get out when you can, the days are numbered.<br /></p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-73573822889021280462023-10-09T20:04:00.006-05:002023-10-10T08:21:19.859-05:00Topwater Time Running Out<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGd25cg3rFKKLU-zgIpmNQxABEdCSuElq9hpupwEdEUbzehXhb4MGsoJhv_N3427cFTYG7Jky2sE49EeWRNywhXfOTZfyO0LBfZ1_DDsLNKA2jvAsKHGkhUFSNPgqwvzXdqZzbAQxm7_NszuPTD8fYT9xLVEYQn78A5RvxxIZNzUU-Ma8at1AWHSGOt2g/s1327/20230603_071637-EDIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGd25cg3rFKKLU-zgIpmNQxABEdCSuElq9hpupwEdEUbzehXhb4MGsoJhv_N3427cFTYG7Jky2sE49EeWRNywhXfOTZfyO0LBfZ1_DDsLNKA2jvAsKHGkhUFSNPgqwvzXdqZzbAQxm7_NszuPTD8fYT9xLVEYQn78A5RvxxIZNzUU-Ma8at1AWHSGOt2g/s320/20230603_071637-EDIT.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />Fall is definitely here in Eastern Iowa, the first "frost warning" has been issued for tomorrow morning. I absolutely love this time of year, topwater bass, smallmouth start to group up, and of course ice fishing is within sight. The only sad thing about this time of year is that the topwater rods and boxes will be put off to the side shortly. There is still time...that is for sure, but the days are numbers. This time of year my favorite topwater has to be the <a href="https://imalures.com/little-stik/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #fcff01;">IMA Lures Little Stik</span></a>. This walking/spitting bait is fantastic as the water cools. You can work it erratically or slow it way down, enticing the most lethargic bass this time of year. It has a smaller "brother" too, the Baby Stik which measures 4.1 inches, which works great for smallmouth and more finicky bass as the water cools. Rig this bait on a 7'2" <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: red;"><a href="http://www.quantumfishing.com" target="_blank">Quantum SmokeX Rod/Reel</a></span> combo and you have yourself one BIG BASS catching machine. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Get out there...topwater time will soon be gone!</p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-39144782466160112262023-09-27T19:56:00.134-05:002023-09-28T16:05:26.348-05:00Indee Bass Club: Lake Delhi Season Finale<p><span style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A5g7UaWze-RNgLFoEZCnwQGMQ2nhhFR1KRO-eVcib9_g0qRYmAxM431_SPDZLDPrfKui_-QAR6_-u7huI3FSUqphlz8vMkX5PiDO9RoZ9EA9F4-795bsohDHZTRi3xSV8vQt5CUtkEb_JL9wRa_QulzjUDnDfIduALm0SyQ4iz2hKo3Xo_aVntI2Bz4p/s2799/20230924_110557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2099" data-original-width="2799" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A5g7UaWze-RNgLFoEZCnwQGMQ2nhhFR1KRO-eVcib9_g0qRYmAxM431_SPDZLDPrfKui_-QAR6_-u7huI3FSUqphlz8vMkX5PiDO9RoZ9EA9F4-795bsohDHZTRi3xSV8vQt5CUtkEb_JL9wRa_QulzjUDnDfIduALm0SyQ4iz2hKo3Xo_aVntI2Bz4p/w401-h301/20230924_110557.jpg" width="401" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranger and Jackson with the winning bass</td></tr></tbody></table>The Indee Bass Club traveled east to end their season on Lake Delhi. Back in the winter of 2023, students voted for areas to fish, and Lake Delhi was once again the top vote getter. Delhi is known for a large population of bass, both smallmouth and largemouth. The lake has large numbers of bass in it, however, catching the bigger 12-inch keepers is sometimes a chore. No matter what, fishing Lake Delhi after the Labor Day weekend is always a fun thing to do, the water is cooling and that typically means the fish are hungry.<br /></span></p>Fourteen members of the bass club made the trip to try and find a limit (5) of bass, 12-inches or larger to weigh-in. It was a beautiful day, a southern breeze, partly cloudy and temperatures in the sixties and seventies. As the tournament got underway at 8am, boats spread out over the entire lake to try and reach the goal of five keeper bass. On this day, every team of students was able to bring a keeper to the scales at the 2pm live weigh-in, which was a first for 2023 season.<div> <br />The results of this tournament varied quite a bit from first place to 7th place, proving once again that putting the right baits in the right locations will yield more bass than others. The winning team of Ranger Reed and Jackson Wolf came to the scales with five keeper bass that weighed 8.55#. When asked about the day, they stated, "We caught our first good one on a deep diving crankbait in about ten feet of water. After that, all of our keepers came on Hot Rod Baits tube in the Dirty Craw color and Stickbaits. We caught fish all tournament long, it was a great day." Ranger Reed also caught the big bass of the event, a 3.00 pound smallmouth bass, this pair was captained by Todd Reed. In second place was Jackson Beatty and Gable Eddy. Jackson said, "We caught them on Hot Rod Baits tubes in the black and blue color. We fished around rocks and docks around six-foot in depth." They were able to bring in a limit of bass that weighed 6.35#, Shane Beatty was their captain. In third place was Colton Cameron and Carter Eddy, with captain Dan Sweeney. They reported catching all their bass on Texas-Rigged Hot Rod Baits Tubes or Wacky rigs. They ended up with 4 keepers on the day that weighed 3.50 pounds. Chris Weepie was once again a captain for his son Hunter Weepie and Clinton Junk. They weighed two bass that weighed 3.19 pounds, good enough for fourth place. In fifth place was Ben Anderson and Curran Meyer, Garry Anderson was the captain for this Junior High duo. They had one keeper that weighed 1.52 pounds. Sixth place belonged to Christian Simmons and Aiden Svoboda, along with captain Dave Wilson. They had one largemouth that weighed 1.43 pounds. In seventh place was Carson Hanaway, Wyatt Mether and their captain Steve Bly. They had one keeper that weighed 0.91 pounds. The top three teams along with the big bass were awarded prizes from Scheels and Hank's Bait and Tackle. Other sponsors of the club include Colony Heating/AC Plumbing, Klever Concrete, Tim Reed State Farm, Cy & Charley's, Shay's Minn Kota, BankIowa, Rick Wendling Memorial, Buchanan County Wildlife Association, Quantum Rods/Reels, X-Zone Lures, The Rod Glove, and Hot Rod Baits Bass Series. The bass club was able to send everyone home with fishing gear after the tournament, as well as a great meal at the ramp, thanks for cooking Jennifer and Taylor Simmons. The club would not exist, and the kids would not get the opportunities without our great list of sponsors.<div> <br />The Indee Bass Club is free and open to any student at the Independence and St. John's schools. You can find out more details on the opportunities the club has for students on their Facebook, Instagram and website.<br /><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTcUrwgdviAACL0tWSnzhLpaaKLG4sCPy_8a9Ex5KnBDoS2MoUNy0SaqSXlPl3DHCTUBFm9GQMDL4uEPROzCOqb-Knv94gY3s3GsP-p3NAHdaE51BYr0luYtvmQIaBpxulHikEfbnbOQpQC0XubgCx5Q3M_VVGUFVhfD8xN877pk8KIipP-p9czuBeMcA/s2167/RR3smallie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2167" data-original-width="1321" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTcUrwgdviAACL0tWSnzhLpaaKLG4sCPy_8a9Ex5KnBDoS2MoUNy0SaqSXlPl3DHCTUBFm9GQMDL4uEPROzCOqb-Knv94gY3s3GsP-p3NAHdaE51BYr0luYtvmQIaBpxulHikEfbnbOQpQC0XubgCx5Q3M_VVGUFVhfD8xN877pk8KIipP-p9czuBeMcA/w292-h478/RR3smallie.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIG BASS: 3.00# Smallmouth</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-45378169384826477492023-08-16T22:56:00.004-05:002023-08-16T23:07:40.882-05:00Ending Summer with a Bang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PaNGzo9WfhT5kaNWx1UtXI_pyrCQ9jxP70TXObu9MwT4R7atMwlvPrGpt8yDiS_TIDzscgRjBxemDtEk3eIIp30qwbjt-NSwkystksVlB13D1fiHPdUDPVUHNiSPr0zjrOvRTzkiB5D9vFqoTeZhkObwQzw0uvc8MfSgSv9lTGnLA48Y3smjWtEVZRLM/s2955/20230813_211312.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2216" data-original-width="2955" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PaNGzo9WfhT5kaNWx1UtXI_pyrCQ9jxP70TXObu9MwT4R7atMwlvPrGpt8yDiS_TIDzscgRjBxemDtEk3eIIp30qwbjt-NSwkystksVlB13D1fiHPdUDPVUHNiSPr0zjrOvRTzkiB5D9vFqoTeZhkObwQzw0uvc8MfSgSv9lTGnLA48Y3smjWtEVZRLM/w417-h313/20230813_211312.jpg" width="417" /></a></div><br />I was able to fish the Mississippi River for three days this past weekend. This was in preparation for the Hot Rod Baits Bass Series final tournament of the season. As you probably know, I am a school teacher, so this was a great way to end my summer break. Having three days to fish one of the best bass fisheries in the Midwest is always a treat, and it certainly didn't disappoint this time around.<div><br /><div>Dan Sweeney and I teamed up for this event at Pool 9 out of Lansing, Iowa. We were able to fish Friday and Saturday to try and find the best quality of bass we could. The river was a bit lower than normal, but the water quality was fantastic everywhere we fished. We were greeted by clean water and a mild to low flow from the Mighty Mississippi. Typical summer patterns on the river were holding true, bass were hanging on the wing dams, points and weeds where current was present. Our practice fishing time led us to four areas that we planned to hit during the tournament hours on Sunday, we were feeling pretty good about this, as all four were within 5 miles of each other. </div><div><br /></div><div>Popular baits for us were bladed jigs, Texas-Rigged <a href="http://www.hotrodbaits.com" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #2b00fe;"><b>Hot Rod Baits Tubes</b></span></a> with a <a href="https://www.reinsfishing.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #ffa400;">Reins tungsten</span></b></a> weight, swim jigs and an <a href="https://imalures.com/little-stik/" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #04ff00;">IMA Lures Little Stik</span></b></a>, a topwater walking bait. Having the proper <a href="http://www.quantumfishing.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: red;">Quantum rod/reel</span></b></a> combo is very important for each of these baits. With their wide selection of rods and reels it is so easy to get the perfect combo for any bait. These different baits were key in the many areas we fished, but come tournament day, it came down to one bait. We caught all our keeper bass on the IMA Little Stik. It was an amazing day of topwater action. We ended up staying in our first area all day, never having to move around. Shallow water next to a deeper channel was the key area for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The smallmouth were using the shallow water to feed and the largemouth were traveling the deeper channel. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the day, we had three smallmouth bass and two largemouth bass to complete our limit. Our best five bass weighed 15.26 pounds, good enough for 2nd place in this event. We were very pleased with our weight and finishing second against this group of anglers is an accomplishment. Catching so many bass on topwater baits throughout the entire day may never happen again, however I will always remember what we learned this past weekend about the behaviors of bass on the Mississippi River, and as always, I can't wait to get the boat back there to look for more beautiful river bass.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgDWB60hI5vJhQrpGa8i3gc0sC-TpkKMLBu_vtA3b3KuzGbByuMLcWTXlJlGRuh8PN4B6XaT8BeLbTnd724UOr776N0fuQD_FnF2Q52Di2i9GEXLf6PUvZQnO7SkGJmEuEGuOswrKrwalLSQ5n6vFBazktDAIhUpXJOTeaIXzj3TXfM1kvJJzc-Kg4zxH/s2845/20230717_132900.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2845" data-original-width="2537" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgDWB60hI5vJhQrpGa8i3gc0sC-TpkKMLBu_vtA3b3KuzGbByuMLcWTXlJlGRuh8PN4B6XaT8BeLbTnd724UOr776N0fuQD_FnF2Q52Di2i9GEXLf6PUvZQnO7SkGJmEuEGuOswrKrwalLSQ5n6vFBazktDAIhUpXJOTeaIXzj3TXfM1kvJJzc-Kg4zxH/w335-h376/20230717_132900.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The IMA Little Stik is a walking bait<br />that is 5.5 inches long and weighs an ounce</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div></div>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-7853709319690508782023-07-19T21:33:00.000-05:002023-07-19T21:33:47.949-05:00Indee Bass Club July Tournament on the Wapsi <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHcINqOB0F2nNUx70CxU30Wbw8_tBSzf2nUDtnZcOtWO5jN5B5aJqcDbuu-3QkL0RVtixQ9I6tic40uAX4RxvfO96IaStq9EL6_jx_8U9hn5CieRqMueGMAq87AbrNSEEbYGrAn3qlZCGkI95lL_PHqVf6ac9mEm17n81cS7owGaERxAx1dQHNIycfE6q/s3444/20230712_204521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3444" data-original-width="3024" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHcINqOB0F2nNUx70CxU30Wbw8_tBSzf2nUDtnZcOtWO5jN5B5aJqcDbuu-3QkL0RVtixQ9I6tic40uAX4RxvfO96IaStq9EL6_jx_8U9hn5CieRqMueGMAq87AbrNSEEbYGrAn3qlZCGkI95lL_PHqVf6ac9mEm17n81cS7owGaERxAx1dQHNIycfE6q/w366-h417/20230712_204521.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>The Indee Bass Club held their third event of the year for
students in the Independence Community.
It was a beautiful night on the Wapsipinicon River in Independence on
July 12<sup>th</sup> for the event. The
temperatures were in the low eighties and the 14 anglers were ready to hit the
water. At this annual event, students
are partnered up with other club members randomly as well as a random captain
(adult in the boat) to enjoy a night of fishing. This format allows anglers to make new
friends within the club, as well as learn new tips and tricks from adults in
the community. This is the only event
all year that Captains are allowed to fish and count their bass towards the
team weigh-in, giving students a first-hand look at how others fish, more
experienced anglers fish. Students and
captains had four hours to try and bring in three keeper bass from the
Wapsi. With the water slightly rising
with the recent storms, the bass were biting!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All boats reported catch fish, which is the best news after
any youth tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Largemouth bass,
smallmouth bass, walleyes, and northern pike were all reported being caught on
the Wapsi on that evening by the 14 student anglers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Popular baits to fool the bass on this night included; crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, Texas-Rigged plastics, wacky rigs and ned rigs. </span>Coming in at fifth place was the team of Cal
Sweeney and TeJay Ratchford, them and their captain Dan Sweeney were able to
bring in one keeper bass that weighed 1.30 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Fourth place as the team of Jackson Beatty
and Ben Anderson, these kids and their captain Jackson Toale brought in a limit
of three smallmouth bass that weighed 3.62 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In third place was the pair of Carter Eddy
and Hunter Weepie, along with their captain Shane Beatty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They brought in three keepers that weighed
4.03 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Runner-Up spot was
the captain Dave Wilson and the pair of Ranger Reed and Gable Eddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They brought in two big keepers weighing 4.88
pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Wapsi Scramble Champions
weighed in 6.35 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The championship
duo of Carter Cameron and Will Clark, along with their captain Todd Reed
brought in three smallmouth bass for the victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colton Cameron also brought in the big bass
of the event, that smallmouth weighed 2.36 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The top three teams walked away with trophies and Scheels
gift cards for their accomplishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Colton won a gift pack from Hank’s Bait and Tackle in Waterloo for
bringing in the big bass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All anglers
came away winners as they enjoyed a beautiful night on the Wapsi learning more
about the great sport of bass fishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
club enjoyed some pizza after the weigh-in, and each angler also received fishing
gear randomly given away because of our generous sponsors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2023 Indee Bass Club <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsors include; Colony Heating/Plumbing and
AC, Buchanan County Wildlife Association, BankIowa, Cy & Charley’s, Tim
Reed State Farm Agency, Klever Concrete, Rick Wendling Memorial, Shay’s Minn
Kota, SCHEELS, Hank’s Bait and Tackle, Quantum Rods/Reels, The Rod Glove,
X-Zone Lures, and Hot Rod Baits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Indee Bass Club is a free club for all students in grades 7-12 in the Independence
Schools, including St. John’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The club
is run by volunteer coach Todd Reed, along with many helpers to make things run
smoothly, Keith Donnelly, Garry Anderson, Randy Toale and Dan Sweeney are all
key parts to this organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
find more information by searching out the Indee Bass Club on Google, Facebook
and Instagram.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-14141092055046898762023-07-18T09:48:00.001-05:002023-07-18T09:54:33.826-05:00What's in My Tacklebox<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY4ogFauj-Y7Tq2pJsxxX_ZSsr5mBl2xtNg4x8brdH7bCaulOV8d4lvE2g8D-GnMDmn7udgV_pHd8v6p3nF8zjrPcnhvtl4ypQ7cimyK7kQFuYGmD1Eo6q16W0Z51X552TveEeFkFE-gGogLzjgiFxoX8pUoKwDsD_j3QTgvHF10huZZiAvxll4JsoOSt/s2640/20230711_215024.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY4ogFauj-Y7Tq2pJsxxX_ZSsr5mBl2xtNg4x8brdH7bCaulOV8d4lvE2g8D-GnMDmn7udgV_pHd8v6p3nF8zjrPcnhvtl4ypQ7cimyK7kQFuYGmD1Eo6q16W0Z51X552TveEeFkFE-gGogLzjgiFxoX8pUoKwDsD_j3QTgvHF10huZZiAvxll4JsoOSt/w298-h398/20230711_215024.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This BIG smallmouth couldn't resist<br />a Hot Rod Baits Tube in the <br />Dirty Craw color.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Summertime fishing is in full swing, and you change up your baits you will be catching a lot of bass during these hot months. <p></p><p>The Iowa Sportsman Article: Summer 2023<br /><br /><br /><br />What’s in My Tackle Box? Bass Fishing Edition<br /><br /> Bass fishing in the state of Iowa can take you to many diverse locations without traveling very far. This may complicate things when thinking about all the different types of lures you must have to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass. I have been chasing these creatures around the state for three decades and have learned a lot of lessons along the way. When loading up a tacklebox for a trip, it is vital to have a little bit of everything. Here is what you need for a successful day of bass fishing:<br /><br />Fast Baits: Spinnerbaits and Bladed jigs are a must for all bass anglers. These cover water quickly and can be used around wood and sparse weeds that will be starting to grow this time of year. Crankbaits are a great tool as well. Have a variety of depths when you pack things up. Shallow running crankbaits all the way to 15 feet will cover most applications in any river or lake. Colors of these baits should include white, crawfish and chartreuse colors. Last, but not least is a swim jig. This can be fished around all types of cover and can be worked through and on top of grass mats.<br /><br />Slow baits: Jigs are a go to bait this time of year, my personal favorite is a Wig’s Jig in the black and blue flash color. Texas-rigged plastic baits are a must for any bass angler. There are literally hundreds of plastic style baits imitating all sorts of different creatures. Keep it simple and have some crawfish imitators and some 4-inch Hot Rod Baits tubes. These two styles of baits will catch you plenty of bass. Colors to have are the typical crawfish colors, black/blue combos and bluegill patterns. <br /><br />Trailers: Each tackle box needs to have a few plastic trailers for the baits mentioned above. Jig chunks, twister tails, paddle tails and minnow style plastics will dress up the jigs, spinnerbaits, swimjigs and bladed jigs. White and natural colors to match your color preferences will be needed. <br /><br />Topwater Baits: I must admit that this one is the hardest for me to narrow down, I love topwater baits, and there are so many good ones out there to use. Each and every time I hit the water this time of year it is a must to have a good array of topwater baits. No matter if you are on a lake or river system, these can provide you with the most fun of any day on the water. The easiest topwater bait to use for bass is a buzzbait. Black, white and chartreuse are all good colors to use. In clear water situations a bluegill pattern can be great as well. Poppers are the next topwater bait that everyone should have in their tacklebox. These come in every color under the rainbow, the action of the popper is more important than the paint job most days. I stick to the white colors and bluegill patterns for these. Walking baits like the IMA Big Stick are by far the most challenging lure to use for the angler. Once you master the “walking” action with your rod sweeps, you will fall in love with this lure. Lastly, the hollow bodied frog. If you are fishing around a lot of weeds and or docks, this bait is by far the most exciting bait to put on your line. This floating lure will float on top of weeds and can be skipped under docks to entice those fish hiding along the poles. My favorite is the Optimum Baits Furbit frog, there are a lot of color choices, and they are built with a 6/O hook, helping to keep those fish on the line as you reel them in through the weeds.<br /><br />The above-mentioned baits may seem like a lot to some anglers and not very many to other anglers. This is a quick rundown of the baits that are overall successful this time of year, and will work for a pond, river or any lake in the state of Iowa. There are many, many other types of baits out there to catch bass, but I never go fishing without these mainstays, they will help you catch more bass this time of year. As always, experiment with colors, sizes and retrieval speeds as you fish. Sooner or later, the bass will tell you what they want on a particular day, and when you find out what they like, get the camera ready for some awesome Catch/Photo/Release pictures!</p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-75012967249791359952023-06-29T19:35:00.001-05:002023-07-02T17:37:55.777-05:00Indee Bass Club travels to Pleasant Creek Lake<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jHJ3gEzKkbtlAIj0n7no3AGipcPn3vtu-TSjWra4bl5rHlRFcMZLz9RgqI_ITfXtVvg5svRWWyy69A7xleIWTtvlYaScP7ABgn_UM3oTde5QeDt26-_cD2uVRrPzSF476TZRl9_cFKpLQUHfkkyV81oMPFSxGGOS7tG7VkK79AdvDIpeCXyDgP6dk5cu/s4032/20230624_121905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jHJ3gEzKkbtlAIj0n7no3AGipcPn3vtu-TSjWra4bl5rHlRFcMZLz9RgqI_ITfXtVvg5svRWWyy69A7xleIWTtvlYaScP7ABgn_UM3oTde5QeDt26-_cD2uVRrPzSF476TZRl9_cFKpLQUHfkkyV81oMPFSxGGOS7tG7VkK79AdvDIpeCXyDgP6dk5cu/w240-h320/20230624_121905.jpg" title="Pleasant Creek Lake CHAMPS" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleasant Creek Lake CHAMPS</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Indee Bass Club members voted on areas to fish for 2023 and Pleasant Creek Lake, near Palo made the cut once again. This event began at 6:30am, which gave anglers about six hours to chase down as many bass as possible. The two-angler teams are in a boat with their adult captain, the goal is to catch five keeper bass. </p><p>The morning started out very nice, the sky was overcast, a mild breeze and the bass were biting. Anglers searched the entire lake looking for their limit of bass, a goal that many anglers were able to accomplish. </p><p>Colton Cameron and Carter Eddy were once again the winners of the event. They were able to bring five keeper bass to the scale that weighed 10.85 pounds. Carter also caught the Big Bass of the event, a largemouth that weighed 3.24 pounds. Coming in second place was EJ Miller and Owen Latwesen. They caught five largemouth that weighed 9.64 pounds. In third place was Jackson Beatty and Gable Eddy, they had five keepers that weighed 8.27 pounds. In fourth place was Ranger Reed and Carter Cameron, they had five keepers weighing 7.32 pounds. The anglers able to catch their limit reported catching fish on a variety of baits; chatterbaits, crankbaits, topwater baits, stick baits, spinnerbaits, swimjigs and Texas rigged plastics. In fifth place was Cal Sweeney and Hunter Sherwood, they had three keeper bass that weighed 4.63 pounds. In sixth place was Hunter Weepie, he had three bass that weighed 3.75 pounds. In seventh place was Wyatt Mether and Carson Hanaway, they had three bass that weighed 3.31 pounds. A total of 17 students participated in this event, all of which received awards and fishing gear. </p><p>The Indee Bass Club is a free club run by volunteers. This is possible by the great support of sponsors, they include; BankIowa, Klever Concrete, Colony Heating/Plumbing/AC, Tim Reed State Farm Agency, Buchanan County Wildlife Association, Rick Wendling Memorial, Cy & Charley's, Shay's Minn Kota, Scheels of Cedar Falls, Hank's Bait and Tackle of Waterloo, The Rod Glove, X-Zone Lures, Hot Rod Baits, and Quantum Rods and Reels. All Independence students, including St. John students are able to participate in the club events. For more information on the Indee Bass Club, check them out on Google, Facebook and Instagram. </p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-40072764579746651392023-06-28T21:26:00.002-05:002023-07-02T17:40:53.528-05:00Summertime Panfish<span id="docs-internal-guid-571a83db-7fff-c291-54bc-8323b51619a0"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug6xApoCuoW6CMQySFGSzgL4A-CnnIIU2FYagaGOGmN6uenUPR-rYphjX7M7iTSQQbczu-fX0APZPTvk3gdUPfmBWuVp0dg7R81JeLl77MxVpgjAPeqX2EfiISTx925-Dv6xARfK4i92Z8ZaN1jdK-Sbi8KQGyh57jFiRK0-b6q_FTWMXD401qikIN_AZ/s4032/20230521_152851.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug6xApoCuoW6CMQySFGSzgL4A-CnnIIU2FYagaGOGmN6uenUPR-rYphjX7M7iTSQQbczu-fX0APZPTvk3gdUPfmBWuVp0dg7R81JeLl77MxVpgjAPeqX2EfiISTx925-Dv6xARfK4i92Z8ZaN1jdK-Sbi8KQGyh57jFiRK0-b6q_FTWMXD401qikIN_AZ/w362-h272/20230521_152851.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><br />When the weather is hot, the panfishing can be hot too, if you know where to locate fish in your nearby lake. Hot summer days with a mild breeze are great days to get outside and enjoy some panfishing. This can easily be done with a boat or small craft like a kayak or canoe. These hot days of summer place panfish in certain locations throughout lakes that you can pattern from one area to another, keeping you busy on these hot Iowa summer days.</span><p></p><br /><br /><br /> Panfishing in the summer can be done with a variety of techniques and baits. It is a time of year when you do have to experiment to know exactly what the fish want and where they are located. Here are a few “can’t miss” strategies as you begin to look for summer panfish.<br /><br /><br /> Locations: Panfish live in all lakes here in Iowa, of course some lakes may thrive with bluegills while others may have a great population of crappies. These two panfish, typically the most sought after here in Iowa, live together throughout the year. Oftentimes when you find one species the other isn’t too far away. For the most part, these creatures are eating the same food as one another and cruising the lakes for their next meal. The food source this time of year can be a variety of creatures. Panfish will feed on microorganisms, first year fry, baitfish, bugs and crawdads. Basically, if it moves in the water and they can fit it in their mouth, they will eat it. With that in mind, as anglers we need to think where do these creatures spend their day, when you find the food, you will find the panfish. In most lakes there are three specific things to look for to find your next meal of panfish. The first being brushpiles, these are magnets for the bait that panfish eat. Brushpiles give the small creatures a place to hide, and in turn make an excellent place for panfish to come and grab their next meal. There are times where you can anchor down around a brushpile and cast to it for hours picking up fish after fish. Another great location are weed lines. Summer in Iowa always creates a lot of weed cover, ponds, small lakes, and big lakes typically will have submerged weeds and weeds on top of the water too. I always try to find some of the deeper weeds in the lake. They may be close to an old creek channel or at the mouth of a cove. I have seen in many cases that the bigger panifish will be closest to the deepest water. Lastly, and the most difficult area to find panfish is the open basin of the lake. Fish will roam during these hot months swimming over the deepest parts of the lakes looking for a meal. In most cases there is no rhyme or reason for their location, they are simply swimming, however staying close to channel swings and or flooded timber should increase your chances. Do not fish too deep in the basins, if a thermocline is present the panfish will not be active below it. These three distinct locations have always been a great place to start looking for summertime panfish, some are better than others on specific lakes, give them a try on your favorite panfish waters this summer.<br /><br /><br /> Techniques: Catching panfish does not take a lot of fancy gear. Keeping things simple is a great way to chase after these fish. One cannot write about summer panfish without mention of a slip bobber. This technique has caught more panfish over the years than anything else combined. A bobber, when used to its fullest potential, can be deadly on panfish. Over the years I have found a bobber to not only zone in on a specific depth of water, but to use it as a trolling device. Once you cast it out, you can reel it in at any speed to control that deepest depth the bait will run. Some days a slow steady retrieve will have the panfish going crazy. Anchoring down and “trolling” your bobber slowly all around the structure or basin that you are is very effective this time of year. Casting and retrieving your favorite jig or small spinner is great too. Trolling the deep basin is a tried and true way to catch fish in the summer. If possible use the trolling motor instead of the gas motor to sneak up on the fish. On windy days, use the wind to your advantage by setting up a controlled drift. Use the wind to move you, and your trolling motor sparingly to adjust speed and direction. As with any fishing day, change up your colors and sizes of plastics, as it can make a big difference. Live minnows are hard to beat when searching out crappies, make sure you have some way to keep them alive during these hot months, they won’t last long without a plan. Small worms are a bluegill’s favorite meal, always have some ready to tempt them. <br /><br /><br /> Fish Care: When catching fish in the summer months it is important to keep the care of the fish in mind. If you are going to catch and release for the day, have your camera ready for a few pictures. When the water temperature warms above seventy degrees, fish cannot be out of the water very long and survive another day. If you are going to keep some fish for eating it is important to care for them as well. It is best to keep the fish alive up to the point of cleaning it this time of year. If you cannot do that, then it is vital you get the fish in a cooler with ice. Chilling the fish while they are alive will preserve the meat and make those filets taste better than ever.<br /><br /><br /> Panfish are a fun fish to chase, even when the weather may tell you to stay at home in the air conditioning. They are great to go after when kids or older adults are involved in the fishing trip. By concentrating on certain structures and cover in the lake you should be able to quickly find some hungry fish. The many techniques to try to catch these fish will have anglers interested and hopefully bringing in their fair share of fish for the day. <br /><br /><br /><br />Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-2811918887793083742023-05-18T20:36:00.001-05:002023-05-19T08:49:47.916-05:00Iowa High School Bass Team Championship<p> The 2023 Iowa High School Bass Team Championship keeps growing. This year there was a record setting 49 boats entered in the event. With only a $20 entry fee per boat, and working with sponsors I was able to give away OVER $3,000 worth of prizes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">SCHEELS of Cedar Falls~~The Rod Glove~~X-Zone Lures~~Quantum Rods/Reels</p><p style="text-align: center;">Check out the story filmed by John Campbell of KCRG-TV-9 below:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="356" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mtsf_mDzR8g" width="428" youtube-src-id="Mtsf_mDzR8g"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-87763204868635473102023-05-10T20:46:00.002-05:002023-05-11T16:47:25.595-05:00Indee Bass Club Kicks off the 2023 Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMhVGOMU_zO4bKlh3hFdITBzzmtPqi7Mx8PfqTMNPiFMG1H42AceG_RWcOExtWmvTTIGPbedCw8RpGpjuMva2yNhmqtpkHUPk0bmudKHJy44MtaTqvQlYYVaK1gSCZs5zesLStDUfsVmQHOzf_malJraHfjFgKmyF2aakLQ4UNq9WlZGMYgfx9228Ng/s4032/20230503_203500.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMhVGOMU_zO4bKlh3hFdITBzzmtPqi7Mx8PfqTMNPiFMG1H42AceG_RWcOExtWmvTTIGPbedCw8RpGpjuMva2yNhmqtpkHUPk0bmudKHJy44MtaTqvQlYYVaK1gSCZs5zesLStDUfsVmQHOzf_malJraHfjFgKmyF2aakLQ4UNq9WlZGMYgfx9228Ng/w362-h272/20230503_203500.jpg" width="362" /></a></div> The Indee Bass Club held its first tournament of the year on the Wapsi River on May 3rd. This event took place on a Wednesday evening and the weather couldn't have been any better. Sunny skies and nice springtime temperatures made the night a beautiful one for fishing. Eighteen anglers set out to catch as many legal bass as they could and bring back their five largest to the scales. Although the weather on this day was picture perfect, the weather in the weeks prior to the tournament was not the typical spring weather the bass are used to. Extremely warm temperatures and then a big cold front had the bass in unusual places and not willing to feed up as they typically do this time of year. That did not stop the members of the Indee Bass Club though, as spirits were high when they were released to begin the event.<p></p><p>As sun was setting and the boats were coming back to the dock to weigh in their catch for the night the chatter around the parking lot wasn't as jovial as when they started. Reports of bass being caught were on the low side. Walleye and Northern Pike kept a few anglers busy, but the goal was to bring in five keeper bass. The Wapsi River has a length limit on bass species, they must be 12-inches to keep. That was also the regulation for the event. No team was able to bring in a limit of five bass, which is very unusual for the Wapsi River. However, as in any bass tournament, someone always finds some fish to weigh-in. In first place tonight was the team of Colton Cameron and Carter Eddy. They had three bass that weighed 5.36#, they were captained by former club member Cyrus Butters. In second place was Gable Eddy and Zach Sidles, they had two bass that weighed 4.25#, their captain was former bass club member Jackson Toale. In third place was EJ Miller and Owen Latwesen, they had four keeper bass that weighed 4.08#, captained by Brian Miller. In fourth place was Ranger Reed and Carter Cameron, they had one keeper bass weighing in at 2.17#, captained by Todd Reed. In fifth place was Christian Simmons and Carson Hanaway, they had one bass that weighed 1.09#, captained by Dave Wilson. Big Bass honors went to Gable Eddy, he brought in a big smallmouth bass that weighed 3.35#. Others involved in the event were not able to bring a keeper bass to the weigh-in. </p><p>All anglers were treated with Subway sandwiches, chips and drinks at the weigh-in, provided by Tim Reed State Farm Agency. Needless to say, they were hungry and very appreciative of our sponsor helping out! The Indee Bass Club is a free club to any student in grades 7-12 at the Independence schools, including St. John's. This is made possible by the awesome companies that support the club. They include Colony Heating/Plumbing/AC, BankIowa, Klever Concrete, Tim Reed State Farm Agency, Cy and Charley's, Rick Wendling Memorial, Shay's Minn Kota, Hank's Bait and Tackle, SCHEELS, Buchanan County Wildlife Association, Quantum Rods/Reels, The Rod Glove, X-Zone Lures, and the Hot Rod Baits Bass Series. You can find the Indee Bass Club on Facebook, Instagram, and their website. The next club event is June 24th at Pleasant Creek Lake. <br /></p><p> </p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-20235418655764302712023-04-10T20:26:00.054-05:002023-04-11T08:49:50.479-05:00Early Spring Bass Fishing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI4SZzNU07_3s_NTRYcN-ePdjQfB1LAKQDU8PJlQ6ePIu3SQ8MOjwz6P8N08DP_xTI5QxJJoMv0JTBX5cINaOe8IaS3fl-0Z-9n6O3lO18pn3JGS0FqQbvYBY4pMgOhbY6-2ACkcSOpTa9AR7ous7RcNxdDIxeRCL60i3PX8nlS5Sxi_W_nR1-dkvxQ/s3520/20230402_181018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="2474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI4SZzNU07_3s_NTRYcN-ePdjQfB1LAKQDU8PJlQ6ePIu3SQ8MOjwz6P8N08DP_xTI5QxJJoMv0JTBX5cINaOe8IaS3fl-0Z-9n6O3lO18pn3JGS0FqQbvYBY4pMgOhbY6-2ACkcSOpTa9AR7ous7RcNxdDIxeRCL60i3PX8nlS5Sxi_W_nR1-dkvxQ/s320/20230402_181018.jpg" width="225" /></a></div> April is always a great month to get on the water and explore the new fishing season. The first few times out I keep it pretty simple, when targeting largemouth bass I stay shallow and have a Wig's Jig tied on along with an <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.imalures.com" target="_blank">IMA Lures</a></span></b> shallow crank bait. Two rods...that's it. Once the water temperature hits 55 degrees, then it is time to add a few more to the deck. If I am looking for smallbass I incorporate four different baits. A medium diving IMA Lures crankbait, an IMA Lures Flit jerkbait, drop-shot rig, and a Texas-rigged <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.hotrodbaits.com" target="_blank">Hot Rod Baits</a></span></b> tube. These baits have done very well for me in the past, and in the first few weeks of the open water season, this is all I need. Sure, other baits will catch fish, there is no arguing there, however for over 90% of the bass I catch early in the season, these baits trick them. Either way, I have them tied to a <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.quantumfishing.com" target="_blank">Quantum Rod and Reel</a></span></b>. The durability and 5-year warranty on these products cannot be beat, click the link to find your next combo.<p></p><p></p><p>Spring bass fishing can be feast for famine this time of year, and I don't' think there is a rhyme or reason behind it most of the time. I have had great days fishing in cloudy weather with 20mph winds and I have done well on sunny 60-degrees days too. The more times spring rolls around I really think it has more to do with stability in the weather. IF we get several days in a row of similar temperatures overnight and daytime highs, the fish really seem to feed up. When we have 70s for a day and then 50s for a few days and then back to a 70 degree day, I feel as though the fish get a little confused. Either way, if I have some free time in April and May, I'm hitting the water!</p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-23367834326557118742023-04-06T20:08:00.001-05:002023-04-11T08:26:30.452-05:00The First Casts to OPEN Water<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOC7-AlwYftwSmqLQHD53riYRGGNuoOKFwtBO0t3cbA9NsA3w5p3QARGY7qHjpLHvhN9anfofKnlQxDWI4sNJLkZQrvISgAmBYhJjtZnG4SOSGf7vXUHjlc_rV0HKCBgSrY_TxZImKMzSmkQulxZujtHJ5AU0CXEziKpffRwN4m_s-iCHtoiWpYrDsQ/s2640/20230401_184435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOC7-AlwYftwSmqLQHD53riYRGGNuoOKFwtBO0t3cbA9NsA3w5p3QARGY7qHjpLHvhN9anfofKnlQxDWI4sNJLkZQrvISgAmBYhJjtZnG4SOSGf7vXUHjlc_rV0HKCBgSrY_TxZImKMzSmkQulxZujtHJ5AU0CXEziKpffRwN4m_s-iCHtoiWpYrDsQ/s320/20230401_184435.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I hate to see ice fishing go away each spring, but that feeling disappears pretty quickly after that first catch out of the boat. That first catch turned out to be a largemouth bass, which is pretty typical for me. I love getting into shallow backwaters soon after the ice and trying to find where those largies are feeding up after the long winter. April 1st was the first day floating on the water, as usual there weren't a lot of bass caught, but 4 in the boat in a few hours felt pretty good. The big one for the day was a bit over 3 pounds, so all in all it was a good first day out. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>The rivers are high right now, and the lakes are still pretty cold, who knows what the next time will bring! </p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714411248350517389.post-46241922082737465072023-03-26T21:27:00.022-05:002023-04-05T15:47:09.567-05:00Good Bye Ice Season<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIrX1Q4vVbBQz-BABdbTizxHMhVwhGcV3ZCi7_v2bC7CVk7Brt-Inr2QRaKZyMTBywiXO4uY5k08XQKwmHqWhr1uxroif865eGJ6JFUS1x9fm-QAJP9d8Qk3Itxxj-hCQMjFijI-wzGZzXWu7T4MAXgGtIALkdISwaWYFikqbahDz04Xr3b4Rs_Fs7g/s2813/20230226_201240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2813" data-original-width="2813" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIrX1Q4vVbBQz-BABdbTizxHMhVwhGcV3ZCi7_v2bC7CVk7Brt-Inr2QRaKZyMTBywiXO4uY5k08XQKwmHqWhr1uxroif865eGJ6JFUS1x9fm-QAJP9d8Qk3Itxxj-hCQMjFijI-wzGZzXWu7T4MAXgGtIALkdISwaWYFikqbahDz04Xr3b4Rs_Fs7g/s320/20230226_201240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The 2022/2023 ice fishing season was another great one. I was able to get out a few times with some kids, many times with my ice buddies and squeezed in a few over night trips too. We covered a lot of lakes throughout the season and hit the Mississippi River a few days also. As I write this, there is still ice available to fish in the Okoboji area, but with the waters thawed and the rivers flowing it is time to shift to the boats. We didn't try too many new locations this winter, but one that we did try will see us again next winter. 5 Island lake, known for its large population of Yellow Bass was a great trip. Yellows are a favorite of mine to chase, and this lake seems to be full of them. We had a group of six of us there for a couple of days and we will certainly be visiting there again next season. The yellow bass are not the large size like found in Clear Lake, but most of them are of cleaning size and they have that yellow bass attitude, which I love. Clear Lake continues to put out some great fish during late ice times. Walleyes, crappies and BIG Yellow Bass make the trip worth it every time. The smaller lakes that dot Eastern Iowa still perform for short trips, and I keep trying a few new ones each year. As this closes out the ice season, I have already booked our annual early ice trip to the Okoboji Lake system, perhaps the best fishery in the state. Time to get the gear all charged up and safely put away until November. <br /><p></p>Todd Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00264109856794042472noreply@blogger.com0