Saturday, July 3, 2010

Catfish league

Well, I told you John Cross had something up his sleeve for the Belle Plaine Cat League in Sunday's print edition of The Free Press.

He went out with a couple of the guys from the league and what he came away with was some pretty good stuff. I've never caught anything over about a 5-pound catfish, so seeing a guy hoist a 40-plus pound cat always amazes me.

Check out his audio slideshow for some images from the event.

I have a few days off this week after working the entire Fourth of July weekend. Hopefully I can get out on a few lakes and give an update. Hope your Fourth is safe and happy one.

And please, if you're going to be out on the lake or driving around, don't drink and boat/drive. It just isn't worth it.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

At least it was a pike

Not much happening with me on the fishing front.

I wish it weren't true, but it is. That's life I guess. As things start to pile up, and family responsibilities get the best of us, sometimes I guess we have to give up some of the things we love.

In this case, it's unlimited time on the water.

Nonetheless, I made it out to Madison Lake on Monday with my brother-in-law. We spent a good five hours at Madison, although an hour of it was spent enjoying a fine burger and a few cold ones at The Boat Landing before heading back onto the water.

Dave, my brother-in-law, pulled in a northern, a bass and a sheepshead on our outing, and just before the day gave way to night, I pulled in a 3.6 pound pike. Not bad. Could have been better, but not bad.

I'm hearing only scattered reports on the fishing front as well. I've had several people tell me that Lura Lake south of Mapleton is difficult to fish right now because of all the weeds. I know I've fished the south bay twice in the past month, and the weeds seem to be clearing on that end, so I'd recommend concentrating my efforts toward the Lura Lake Sportsmen's Club landing on that south side.

Sunfish action is out of control on some of the area lakes, if that is your thing. Walleye reports aren't coming across at all, so if you're still hooking into the 'eyes, feel free to drop me a line.

On a side note, John Cross spent some time with a few die-hard catfish anglers. He has something planned for this Sunday's print edition, and I believe he'll have an audio slideshow of the event. I'll post a link here when that is available.

Until then, chase some bass, the weather is perfect for it.