Blue Moon Over Big Hook

43" West Lake beauty, released

The title of this blog could very well be a good title for a movie someday. This Friday, there will be a once in a blue moon occurrence. If you step outside, you might find yourself gazing out at a brimming, full moon. Disappointingly, it won't actually be blue; the term is a misnomer. In fact, a blue moon isn't any different to any other full moon. In the past, a blue moon was used to mean "rare," but now the name is given to any full moon that is the second to appear in one calendar month.

According to some fishing/lunar calendars, and take their advice with a grain of salt, fishing should be slow during this time. Now after talking with the majority of our clients today on the round of camp checks, fishing is by no means slow.  Good numbers are being boated at just about every outpost.  
However, the big trophies for both species have been a little shy this past week and maybe, just maybe, the moon does have something to do with it.  

40" West Lake released

SW Lake porch all painted and completed 

 As a guide, I can understand the effects of a full moon.  When I used to fish in the Gulf of Mexico all winter, a full moon absolutely meant that fishing was going to shut down, as the fish fed during the evening hours.  Up here at Big Hook, I believe fish will feed during a moonlit night but not to the same extent.  This week, we had a huge low pressure track right over the top of NW Ontario.  This drastic barometric change will affect the fishing.  The front side of a low, as the barometer is falling, is a fisherman's friend.  However, the backside of a low and a skyrocketing barometer, in my opinion; is a fisherman's enemy.

Fishing  

Pike

Pike are being found just about everywhere throughout the bodies of water.  Most fish are prowling through thick weeds chasing perch. Ripping bucktails and johnson silver minnows though the cabbage are a favorite technique of mine.  Remember not to cast in the same place twice, work your casting pattern like a clock.  First cast at one o'clock, then two, three and so forth.

 Contradicting my previous paragraph, several lakes like Central for example, the bigger fish have been located on deep rocky humps while walleye fishing.  Big open water baits are in order to reach those deeper fish. Depth raiders and bull dawgs are two of my favorite lures to reef fish.  Black is always a good color.  You'll need to beef up your tackle as these lures pack some poundage.

A Cocos Lake monster pike

Last week, Cocos was the hot outpost with 30 northern released over 35".

Walleye 

Walleye are beginning to descend as the summer progresses.  Most fish are hovering around 15 ft on reefs and points.  Trolling is still effective along ledges.  However, jigging is still king.  The wind blown shores have been dominant.  This week we have had west winds about every day and looking at the extended forecast, our westerly winds should continue for several more days.

A steady west wind is good news for walleye fisherman, as the fish should be stacked on the eastern shores. The majority of the time, bait fish will congregate along the windy shores chasing bugs and other sources of food. Toss 3/8 oz jigs with various tail colors or slowly back troll and jig next to the boat (my favorite).  Try to match the colors with atmosphere; light days, use light light colors and conversely with dark days.

Last week, the big walleye lake was non other than South.  Although the boys didn't crack thirty numerous 25-29" fish were boated and released.

Low Investment Bass Fishing

Every hobby that I enjoy I try to learn from it and figure out how it may best fit into to my life situation. Other than a kayak, I do not own a boat and almost all of my fishing is done from shore. For many years I have enjoyed fishing small streams for trout. In recent years the quality of the trout fishing seems to have diminished in many of the streams that are in my area. The water level appears to keep going down and by summer many of the streams are choked with weeds.

Largemouth Bass Caught in Lake Winona
All Fish are Released

Tiny Bass Caught in Lake Winona

Big Lure Tiny Bass

This year I have been doing some fishing from shore for largemouth bass in a nearby lake and a small pond. My fishing has been done in the evening about sunset when the fish are normally close to shore. In that little travel time is needed I can spend just an hour with most of that time fishing. The lake is close enough to walk to or ride my bike so I get in exercise time also. 

Bass on Rapala Lure Caught in Pond

Bluegill Caught on Lure

Earlier in the season I was using the same Rapala lure that I use for trout fishing. I caught some of the smallest bass imaginable, it was almost comical. After posting on a local forum, I found out the small bass often hang closer to shore. It was suggested that I try a plastic frog lure to go across the weeds without getting snagged. At the smaller pond I did catch some larger bass with the Rapala lure because I could throw half way across the pond. The weeds grew higher in both spots and I switched to the artificial frogs.

Bigger Bass Caught on Artificial Frog

The artificial frog directions say wait two seconds before setting the hook; I am less than proficient with this technique and have lost a fair number of fish. There are times when the bass are jumping completely out of the lake, it does seem like fishing is more productive at those times. Just because a bass has jumped in a particular spot doesn’t mean I will catch one by throwing there. 

Typical Bass Boat

Bass Tournament

Many people invest a large amount of money and time in their bass fishing; although that is mainly for tournament fishing. The boats they use have huge motors so they can get to the hot spots as quick as possible.  For what they are trying to accomplish no doubt that is what is needed.  For me I am having fun, spending almost nothing and seeing a lot of wonderful sunsets across the water.


Bill Kuhl
http://www.ideas-inspire.com

56cm Barramundi #964 51cm Rockcod #331-333 Squidgy Pro Mongrel Lucky Craft Beefreeze Dry season's land based fishing

There was a little chill in the air while I was driving.
I dedicated to safe driving and got to the Channel Island within an hour by my new 150cc scooter.

The sea water was clear.
That gave me a sense of safety while I was wading through the shallow water because I would trip on the rocks under the water if the water was murky.
The water was cold.
The tide was going out.
I stopped at the big rocks in the middle of wading and then cast my lure.
Soon, I caught an average sized rockcod.
I waited till the outgoing tide permitted me to wade through the shallow water to the mud flat.
The productive fishing window wasn't long at the mud flat.
First I caught a 56cm barramundi on Squidgy Pro Mongrel.

To compare with the wet season's barramundi, the dry season's barramundi are powerful and more beautiful.
It's a prime seafood.
July 25, 2015 56cm barramundi #964
Land based, Darwin, NT, Australia

Squidgy Pro Mongrel 90mm Drop bear

Second, I caught a 51cm rockcod on Lucky Craft Beefreeze.
That is unusual that I catch a nice sized rockcod of equal to or above 40cm by land based in Darwin.

Rockcod #331 56cm rockcod
It's a prime seafood.

Lucky Craft Beefreeze 78mm Black/Gold Suspended minnow

Rockcod #332 on Rapala Flatrap 105mm Chrome #6 hooks

Rockcod #333 on Sebile Swingtail 85mm #6 hooks

Towards sunset I began to go home.
The dry season in which the temperature is low permits me to carry these fish to Darwin by my scooter.

I will make some prime fish and chips with these dry season's fish.

Mr. Callum Gumball made these fish holders for me.
I can concentrate on the driving.

Squidgy Pro Mongrel


Colour: Boof Mullet
 
Size: 90mm

Where: Shallow water 30cm -50cm

Water: Clear Outgoing

Line: Sufix 832 15LB Braid

Leader: TRIUMPH SUPER SHOCK LEADER 30LB Fluorocarbon
 
Knot: The Slim Beauty Knot

Reel: SHIMANO STELLA 2500FE

Rod: ECODA Black Hawk BH-702SML7'0" Fast Action 1/4-3/4oz 3-5kg

Clip: FORCE TEN STAINLESS DUO LOCK SNAPS #2

Action: Steady retrieving

Please click on the " Fishing of Ranking" link. 

にほんブログ村

Thank you very much.

Flathead #54 They are very hungry in the drt season. Squidgy Pro Mongrel

Today's incoming tide wasn't bad for catching barramundi but there should be too many other fish here.
My friend hooked three flatheads and I hooked two flatheads.
They were very hungry in the dry season.
We didn't like these fish bothering our barramundi fishing because the productive fishing window wasn't long and we couldn't stay at this fishing location for 30minuites or more.

July 24, 2015 40cm Flathead
Land based, Darwin, NT, Australia

Normally, I don't eat Darwin's flathead.
But I enjoyed eating Darwin's flathead tonight.
Using the batter made of Schweppes Natural spring water and flour, I made fish and chips.
It's light and crispy.  It's very tasty.

But after all, I like barramundi's fish and chips best.
Especially dry season's saltwater barramundi is the best to eat.

Squidgy Pro Mongrel


Colour: Boof Mullet
 
Size: 90mm

Where: Shallow water 30cm -50cm

Water: Clear Incoming

Line: Sufix 832 15LB Braid

Leader: TRIUMPH SUPER SHOCK LEADER 30LB Fluorocarbon
 
Knot: The Slim Beauty Knot

Reel: SHIMANO STELLA 2500FE

Rod: ECODA Black Hawk BH-702SML7'0" Fast Action 1/4-3/4oz 3-5kg

Clip: FORCE TEN STAINLESS DUO LOCK SNAPS #2

Action: Steady retrieving

Please click on the " Fishing of Ranking" link. 

にほんブログ村

Thank you very much.

Barramundi #963 Rockcod #330 and Trevally The fishing was pleasant in the dry season in Darwin.

The fishing was pleasant in the dry season in Darwin.
The water was very clear and cold.
In addition, the scenery is good around here.

I went to the East Point to fish.
The tide was going out.
I caught trevally, rockcod and barramundi.
I could enjoy seeing the tug of those fish after hooking.
I was feeling at ease there.

July 24, 2015 Barramundi
Land based, Darwin, NT, Australia

Trevally

Bomber Long 14A

Rockcod on Lucky Craft Beefreeze


Bomber Long14A

Colour: Black/Silver/Orange

Size: 90mm

Where: Shallow water 70cm

Water: Clear Outgoing

Line: Fins 30LB Braid

Leader: TRIUMPH SUPER SHOCK LEADER 40LB Fluorocarbon

Knot: The Slim Beauty Knot

Reel: SHIMANO SCORPION 1500XT

Rod: ST. CROIX 6' MEDIUM POWER FAST ACTION
10-17LB 1/4-3/4oz USA

Clip: FORCE TEN STAINLESS DUO LOCK SNAPS #3

Action: Twitching

Please click on the " Fishing of Ranking" link. 

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Thank you very much.

69cm Longtom Lucky Craft Beefreeze

I went to the East Point to fish after work.
The result proved disappointed.
the tide was coming in.
The productive fish window was very short at that time because I couldn't stay at this fishing location for 30minuites or longer. 
Still, it's too bad.
I caught a 69cm longtom on Beefreeze.
It's not easy to remove the hook.
I was conscious of barramundi's presence there.
I totally missed an opportunity to catching a barramundi.

July 23, 2015 69cm Longtom
land based, Darwin, NT, Australia

Lucky Craft Beefreeze Suspended

Colour: Black/Gold

Size: 78mm

Where: Shallow water 30cm

Water: Clear Incoming

Line: Fins 30LB Braid

Leader: TRIUMPH SUPER SHOCK LEADER 40LB Fluorocarbon

Knot: The Slim Beauty Knot

Reel: SHIMANO SCORPION 1500XT

Rod: ST. CROIX 6' MEDIUM POWER FAST ACTION
10-17LB 1/4-3/4oz USA

Clip: FORCE TEN STAINLESS DUO LOCK SNAPS #3

Action: Twitching

Please click on the " Fishing of Ranking" link. 

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Thank you very much.

Beautiful Summer Days

Time to practice glassy water
takeoffs and landings

The weather in the Opasquia Provincial Park has been absolutely gorgeous this past week.  Daytime highs have varied between 70-80 degrees with plenty of sunshine.  Bring your swim trunks as the water temperature has been hanging around 73-75 degrees.  There is nothing more refreshing than a dip in the lake after a hot day on the water.

The weather has been, well, too nice.  I hate to wish for rain on fisherman's vacations, however it has been several weeks since we have received a good ole dousing.
The lack of rain has resulted in water levels dropping somewhat throughout the park.  Nothing drastic, but they keep creeping lower and lower due to evaporation and out flowing rapids.  The lower water has allowed guests to navigate the Cocos lake rapids much more effectively.

Fishing

SW Lake walleyes were loving the echotail

Wind is always a key element to note when searching for fish.  Having a dominant wind for a week of fishing is terrific.  Focus on hot spots that fall on the windy shorelines.  Yes, it may be a bit more difficult to hold a boat but the dividends will be great. 

The typical summer patterns are now in full effect on the majority of the lakes. Walleye are now beginning to hang on windblown rocky points and shorelines in about 10-15 ft of water.  Rock reefs and humps in the middle of the lake will hold plenty of fish this time of year.  However, don't limit your hunt to just the rocks, after chatting with West and Burnt today, they were slaying walleye on the edges of weeds.  Jigging with 3/8 oz head and 3-4" white, pink, yellow, pumkinseed and flouro orange tails have all yielded great results.  Worm harnesses are also great rigs.  My personal favorite technique this time of year to locate schools is trolling a Shad Rap #5 or #7 along a 12 ft break, then turning around and jigging once I get a strike.  

Other hot walleye lures include: echotail blade baits, flicker shads, tube jigs.  

Pike have been blowing up on top water baits.  Central, West, Cocos reported lots and lots of action fishing the surface in the late afternoons.  Zara Spooks, Dancing Raiders, Giant Jack pots and Top Raiders are all great baits in my book. 

The edges of weeds are a primary focus for trophy fish. The best lure to navigate the weeds is the Johnson Silver Minnow.  The weedless action will result in a lot less down time pulling grass from your bait.  Remember the twister tail trailer! Thats is a must. The tail makes the bait 100% more effective.  Bucktails are also great bait to jockey around and blast through thicker weeds.  Burn them as soon as they touch the water.  

On sunny calm days I'll often postpone my pike hunting until after 5 o'clock.  Still, glassy days will result in a lot of follows from big fish and a little light distortion from a setting sun is just enough to encourage a bite.  However, after about 9:30 pm the bite will completely shut down.  

Other hot lures for pike this week:  five of diamonds, delong killer eel, doctor spoon. 

How to take pictures of the barramundi at night?

I used to use Canon F1 and Canon New F1 when I was young.
So I understand photographing.
But I am not very knowledgeable about a digital processing.

I carefully selected the photographic equipments for taking pictures of the barramundi at night.

I am using Olympus Stylus TG-2 Tough. (The latest model is TG-4 as of July, 2015.)

• 2.1m/7ft shockproof

• 15m/50ft waterproof

• F2.0 Full HD

• GPS

• Super Macro is really nice!

• Hand -held Starlight scene mode is very effective for taking pictures of the barramundi at night.

COAST HP14 is essential for taking pictures of the barramundi at night.

Nothing can touch this flashlight for durability.
I dropped my Coast HP14 on the rocks at the Myilly Point before.
I found it from a small opening in a rock wall half a year later.
It didn't rust at all.

• Waterproof

• Shockproof

The best thing is that the optical angle is ideally wide for taking a picture as an auxiliary light source device.

 

Low 52 lumens 67m is very useful for taking a picture as an auxiliary light source device at night.
You can buy a COAST HP14 from Bunnings.

These are successful examples.

Please click on the " Fishing of Ranking" link. 

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Thank you very much.

103cm Dry season's urban saltwater barramundi Mr. Mitsutoshi Sato Lucky Craft Bee Freeze His 2nd barramundi that he has ever caught in his life.

I rarely take someone to my fishing location.
He is 26years old now.

I took him to the same place at night on 30th June.
He caught his first barramundi in his life at that time.
It was a 60cm urban saltwater barramundi caught on a Lucky Craft Bee Freeze.

As I always said, the tides like yesterday's ones were ideal for my land based fishing.
Even if the sea water was very clear and cold and if the other conditions of the productive fish windows were complete, a saltwater barramundi would take lures in the dry season.
Plus there was no moon tonight.
It was a very dark night.
We had a very nice conditions to catch a barramundi.

I wanted him to catch more barramundi on lures because he has planed to leave Darwin at the beginning of September.

He uses a Shimano Sienna 4000FD (Fishing reel) with a 15LB braid line.
His fishing rod was a heavy glass-fibre one.  
So I presented a carbon-fibre fishing rod to him when I met him at the parking in my fishing location tonight.

The tide hadn't reached to my fishing location yet when we arrived.
We waited for the tide was coming in.

The water  was very clear and cold.
The water current was strong.
The wind was following.

As soon as the seawater started moving, he caught a very strong fish on his lure.
He couldn't stop that big fish for a while.
However, the drag force of his fishing reel was set accurately this time.
It ended up taking him 15minutes to land that big fish.
It was the 2nd barramundi that he has ever caught in his life.

103cm Urban saltwater barramundi was caught by Mr. Mitsutoshi Sato.
July 11, 2015
Land based, Darwin, NT, Australia

The dry season's saltwater barramundi has a very solid body with a bright silver colour.
The dry season's saltwater barramundi is normally stronger than the wet season's barramundi.

His twitching technique is very different from our local techniques.
It is very effective for catching a barramundi.
It has been demonstrated because he also caught a 60cm barramundi by using the same technique with the same lure at the same place on 30th June.
In addition, he caught a metery queenfish at the fisherman's wharf recently.

He released the big mother fish back into the seawater.
But the tide-water came quickly over the rocks and so our fishing gears went below the surface of the sea water. It's very dangerous at all.

His fishing reel is a Shimano Sienna 4000FD with a 15LB braid line.

Lucky Craft Bee Freeze (Pointer) Suspended

Colour: Gold

Size: 78mm

Where: Shallow water 50 - 70cm

Water: Very clear and cold Incoming

Line: Hercules 15LB Braid

Leader: Hercules 40LB 

Knot: Similar to the Slim Beauty Knot

Reel: Shimano Sienna 4000FD

Rod: Okuma 2pcs Flame F-S-662L 6'6" (1.95m) 2-4kg

Clip: He is using a clip.

Action: Very unique twitching

Please click on the " Fishing of Ranking" link. 

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Thank you very much.