Craig
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Posts posted by Craig
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I'm a pretty trusting guy. I believe people when they tell me something. I'm a member of CAG because I hung around and read stories and enjoyed the forum before joining. I've met and fished with members from around the northeast and generally enjoyed all their company.
So, when I planned a weeks vacation in New York, I looked to the Baldwinsville area as there has been so much good publicity about the surrounding carp fishing. The area to the east is also home to a casino, so the misses would be happy while Franklin and I fished.
Having done my home work, I posted my plan and almost immediately was contacted by Baustin. Over the next few months we exchanged a few PM's and finally set a date and place to meet.
The day finally arrived and Franklin and I were so excited to meet Baustin and his friend of 20 years carphd. We had gone by Mickeys Bait and Tackle earlier in the day and Al indicated he would also join us.
We arrived on time and were immediately taken in hand by carphd (Bill). He firmly guided us over to an area and indicated two spots close together where he and Bausting (Kevin) always fish. Nothing but the best for us, we were told.
One look at the steep bank told Franklin and I that we were out of our element and we expressed this to Bill. "Not to worry", he says. He was a team runner in the recent carp tourney and will gladly net all our fish.
We didn't want to seem ungrateful that we were being given the two prime catching spots, so we set up, baited up and put some lines in the water.
We had no sooner put our lines in than Kevin called Bill to get directions to where we were. Then he called again. A few minutes later he called again. I am not exaggerating when I say he called Bill no less than 6-8 times to get direction to the swim ......... please bear in mind this is their "prime fishing hole" and he lives there.
Lots of stories were being swapped and Kevin finally arrived. Hands were shaken. Introductions finished Kevin puts a couple lines in and is soon rewarded with a fish.
Bill and Kevin get to talking with Franklin about baits, pack, flavors, etc. They insist that what we have brought won't catch NY carp as mosquito larvae and mussel have never been producers up there.
A couple of hours later, Kevin had landed a couple and I just sat and listened to who could tell the biggest lie.
Franklin had given the locals, Bill and Kevin all the time we could spare before dark, so he baited up with mosquito larvae and began a run of about 4 carp. This was about the time the locals started whispering among themselves and glancing our way once in a while.
It is now getting late and the local 4" mosquitoes were drawing blood from me out the back of my chair when it finally happened. I HAD MY FIRST CARP RUN IN NY. I almost peed my pants with anticipation of landing a monster NY carp.
I calmly stood up. Walked over and leisurely lifted my rod, turned the handle and made sure the hook was set. The fight was on. I could quickly tell it was a decent fish.
And then, just as quickly as it had run, it was gone.
This was when Bill had a run. I was a bit down, so I didn't get real excited about his run as I had just lost the first NY and probably a decent 20+ carp to something that had cleanly cut my line. (Bear in mind this was the "best" spot. Nothing had been said about snags.)
Not one to let my sad emotions bring others down, I simply went about putting a new leader and rig on my rod.
Bill was still fighting his fish and Franklin went over to help him.
About two minutes later, Franklin calls me over to look at Bills carp. I really wasn't in the mood, but he called again and insisted. Franklin doesn't insist on much so I began walking over. As I stood, Kevin had a run and let the world know that he was fighting a nice fish.
Take a look at this picture. (Not my picture as mine didn't come out. This was taken with Kevins camera.) Kevin is on the left and carphd (Bill) is on the right. Memorize Bill'a face. I for one will never forget him.
These two fish are the ones I'm talking about. Pay attention to Bill's especially. I'm not positive, but I think the weight was about 24 something. Kevins about, I think, in the range of 27+. Frankly, at that point I didn't care what Bill's weighed.
Let me back up a bit.
When Franklin had insisted I walk over to see Bill's carp, it wasn't the carp he wanted me to see. He showed me the hook in the carps mouth, attached to a brown hook link, to a Wacker Bait weight, to a lead core line like I was using which was attached to ORANGE SUFFIX leader that had been cut !!!
Yes, you guessed it. Bill had landed MY FIRST NY CARP and it did go over 20 pounds.
Folks, I want you to think about what transpired up there. My spot was chosen for me, even though I was not comfortable with the high bank. I only had one run and quickly had my line cut by some unknown force. The local quickly snags onto my line and brings in the fish I had hooked. THEN he has the nerve to tell me....... and I'm gonna quote him....... "By tournament rules it is your fish as it has your hook in its mouth".
Well I don't know about those fancy dancy NY tournament rules, but I'm not about to claim anyones carp that I didn't fight and land myself.
I will tell you that it didn't take those two long to get their picture taken holding those two big fish of the session.
I'm not saying I wouldn't fish with Baustin or carphd again, as I surely would. I would always fish with CAG members. (Bill and Kevin might be another matter that I would have to think about.)
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1. I am truly sorry, I missed fishing with you on Friday.
2. Not that I missed YOU, of course, but I'm afraid of the road you have started mini-Craig down without the benefit of my years of carping and wisdom in all things, especially what is a good fishing site.
3. I do wish Franklin had driven down and taught you another lesson.
4. Looking forward to another trip to Dog Park in our future, maybe for next year. Looking at the map, I think there is also a decent place across the water up at the small bridge. Might look into that next time.
Ya'll did right by us telling us about the snags. But, I sure wish I knew what was out there that cut $38,000 worth of leads and leaders off our lines.........
Loosing that many bait stops can get dang expensive 
Craig
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The subject says it is day 5, but I'm writing this in day 6.
We are supposed to be at Dog Park fishing, but I'm simply physically wore out. I guess old age is for the youngsters. This old man is simply too pooped to pop, let along fish.
So, for those who we were supposed to fish with and didn't, please accept my apology. I didn't know how to reach you. Franklin is being a good sport and fishing Oneida in our back yard. Knowing him he will do well.Anyway, back to day 5 report.
I put 4 on the bank while watching Franklin, fishing with only one pole at times, put a respectable 15 on the mat.
I want to give a big thanks to Tom, a local we met, who also put a good number on the mat and who did a GREAT job of netting for myself and Franklin. If I remember correctly his largest was 25+.
I didn't catch many but I was happy with my 24+.
Let me rephrase that, I was happy with my 24 until it was time for us to go. We were beginning to pack up when I had a run. Shortly into my run, Franklin also began fighting one. Tom came down and netted mine, while Franklin held his just off bank. Mine looked good, until we put Franklins on the mat.
Some days it just doesn't pay to compete with Franklin. Well not some days, MOST days, in fact.
So, without further ado, here is Franklins 30.5.
This will be my final report, unless Franklin lands something special in our backyard. I going to spend the rest of the day beginning my promised article for a NACA. I may post a bit about Bill, but that may wait a bit.
I'm pooped. But really enjoyed the trip so far.
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Fished dog park again this afternoon. left early for supper with the wife.
I CAUGHT A FISH IN NY!!!!
It was a CARP.
It weighed 14 pounds. I considered having it mounted.
Franklin, of course, again put the hurt on me by landing 3 or 4 small ones.
We each either lost a couple or had our shock leaders cut. We think it was zebra mussels and Franklin changed to a coated heavy braid and his next run shredded the coating, but he landed the fish.
I began to pack up. Had one rod put away. Turned off the alarms. Reached for the remaining rod and it ran. Landed my second NY carp. Not big enough to weigh. But, the mere fact I landed a carp was a LOT better than I did the first 2 days up here.
Back to Dog Park in the morning.
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....................... Too bad you missed the fish at Oneida. The big fish were in heavy.
Give us a hint WHERE in/on Oneida? We tried Lakeshore Marina today. ALL grass. Left soon after arrival.
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Where in new York are you guys? If you've met bill then you aren't far from my neck of the woods, he give you any spots?
on the north shore of oneida. lake is shallow here. now fishing south shore and dog park.
would be glad to meet anyone, if you don't mind watching Franklin haul and watch me fish.
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Thus ends day 2 in NY.
Met some nice carpers this evening.
That includes carphd, but more about him later.
I haven't brought a single fish to the net yet.
As usual, Franklin is whupping my arse.
Got TWO stories for NACA so far, but will probably combine them into one.
Pictures when I get home.
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Nice job guys! Craig, where in NY will you be fishing?
Lake Oneida, north of Syracuse. All are welcome to drop in ... even Neil.
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Craig......
Phone lies
:lol: I know. He once told me you out fished Jackie. On the other hand, his most recent reply shows no evidence of misquoted facts or stretching of the truth.
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It's been almost two weeks since Franklin has banked a fish and nearly that long for me. In fact, it would be more than two weeks if I hadn't lucked into one at the DC Fishin.
Any way, we went down state today to MD at one of our older swims.
We did catch a few, very few fish, but there seems to be some little disagreement about the rules.
To that end, I'm going to post the rules as I understand them and let the members express their opinion. Please bear in mind that I'm unlikely to change my mind.
On the occasional occasion that I don't catch and he does, some would think that I was skunked. I believe it was just me being a nice guy to Franklin.
If my biggest fish weighs more than Franklins biggest fish, then I caught the biggest fish.
If my fish is longer than Franklins fish, which 'might' weigh more, then I (again) caught the bigger fish as it would have weighed more if it was full of eggs. Here is an example from today:
His overweight fish:
My lean mean fighting machine:
Moving on from who caught the largest, we come to who had the better day. You have seen his stunted fat, obese specimen and my finely muscled specimen. Add his other fish to his total and then the below one I landed and I think everyone will agree I was the better fisherman today based upon the two fine commons I fought to a standstill and quickly returned to the swim.
Tomorrow we finish the week up North. Sunday is a travel day to NY and then a week of fishing in our backyard while "she who must be obeyed" either pays for our electric bill or pays for Turning Stone casinos power bill. I will post from NY, if all goes well. (Meaning I catch some nice fish.)
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A woman never looks more beautiful than when she is holding a carp.
Yeah, but I've come home to find her cooking and thought that was really neat, to say nothing of taking her paycheck to the bank to cash for carping money.
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Thank you for this exceptional report. I truly enjoyed reading every word.
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Maybe, but where were the Bar B Que chips?
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I apologize for the delay in posting Saturday's carp picture. I missed one and until I could post it, this report would have been sadly lacking.
The big fish pool was delayed due to flood/high tide condition and didn't start until about 11:00. Fishing was good but the catching was VERY slow. The first run and carp landed at 12:45 belonged to Lawrence Holden. It wasn't a monster, but on the off chance there were no others landed, he weighed it. The total was nearly 12lb.
As you can see, it was a very unusual fish. One that we don't see every day.
About 3:00 several were near my setup and someone said I had a drop back. Sure enough, I had a slight drop back and set the hook. It took a couple of minutes but I managed to put it on the bank. As you can see it was an unusual looking fish. There was no reason to weigh it, as it already had been.
There were no other fish landed before the pool cut off time of 5:00 pm, although Moon did have one on for a short period, but the carp won that contest.
About 5:06 a commotion down the way indicated another carp had been caught. I didn't have an opportunity to get a picture, but Hoppy sent it to me today.
Again, there was no reason to weigh it as it had been burned into our memory. Yes, "Screwface", as Gefilta Fisher (Mark) named him, had been landed a THIRD time.
So, in answer to BigBirds question earlier in the week, Yes, the same fish can be caught twice (or more times) in the same day and this picture proves it. Mike Smith put it on the bank this time.
With only two carp caught before 5:00 we had FOUR landed in the next 25 minutes.
In addition to Screwface, Mike Smith landed the big one (5lb)
I 'think" Matt landed this one.
An now, I must apologize to Gefilta Fisher, and believe me I take no pleasure in doing so.
I have rubbed it into Mark for a couple of years that he manages to schedule the DC fishin when the carp aren't biting and I have NEVER seen him catch a carp.
Well, yesterday he not only landed one, but did it without a net. The tide was high and he 'swam' it up on to the bank. The bad part is, I can't recover the picture. I'm sure that is going to cost me somehow, but I assure everyone that he DID catch a carp.
Franklin and I departed shortly thereafter for our 2 hour ride back to DE.
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The following is how several folks set up to fish Hains Pt in DC for the Spring Fish In. As you can see, it all revolves around fishing over the rail.
Following the set ups, are a few of the attendees and/or their bank gear.
To day was overcast, misting at times and in the 60's with a light southern breeze.
Moving on to the bank side setups and the attendees.
Some folks have a knack for relaxing.
Award should have been presented for most disorganized rear seat in a P'up.
Jorge came up with an innovation from Lowes using cable clamps and pieces of rubber matting.
I almost forgot the most important set up present. The kitchen, thanks to our host, Gefilta Fisher (Mark).
I know you are wondering where the carp pictures are. There WERE carp landed, but due to some unusual situations I am not posting them until I get a picture from Hoppy. I will post all of them later tonight or tomorrow evening. Biggest fish (carp) caught was 27+ lbs, but didn't win the pool. Think about that while waiting for the pictures.
I will also post a picture of someone who I, and many many others, have never seen land a carp. It was a major event during this DC Spring Fishin.
Sorry about the larger than normal pictures and downloading time. My problem on this end this time.
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Voted 3 addresses and sent you proxies for all three.
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Think about how the carp felt about being caught by YOU twice in one day!
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The day started well. Hot hotcakes at Mickey D's with all the trimmings. Not even a line to stand in.
We put lines in the water about 9.
It wasn't long before Franklins alarm sounded off. IF he was looking for a catfish sandwich, he would have done well. As it was, he had fun and threw it back.
It was FOUR hours later before we heard another alarm sound off. Of course, it wasn't mine.
In fact, the next three alarms weren't mine.
FIVE hours into the session, with me smelling skunk, I finally got a run. Only one fish today, but at least, it was the biggy of the day.
I should have gone home behind 3 to 1, but we stayed long enough for him to run up the score by one more.
Tomorrow we go back south. I'm hoping for the best.
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It's official. I'm jealous.
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Craig...
just a stoopid question????
did you catch more fish when you weren't using all that high dollar gear????
and how do you get all that Chit into that lil car???
No, I actually catch more fish now. Of Course, I fish for them more now.
The car has a LOT of room left. Would you care to buy me some more chit? I'll send a list.
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Just not my day today.
Line was out the door at Mickey D's and the drive thru was backed up to the lot entrance, so I arrived at the swim without breakfast. NOT a good sign of things to come.
On the other hand, it was a beautiful day to fish an arm of the Chester River. Very nice in front of me.
and a bit downstream in front of Franklin.
It was such a nice day that Bob dropped by for a visit. After a couple of treats, he got a bit bored.
Then it happened. Franklins alarm sounded. Not enough to disturb Bob, but it awoke Franklin.
Yes, Franklin hauled today. He got the first, smallest, largest and last fish of the day.
Even Bob got excited. At least, I think he was. Sometimes it is a bit difficult to tell.
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I think they call him ScubaKoiless or soething like that??
I'm a bit under edukated. I thot it was speled 'struggling underwater and clueless'.
On the other hand, I guess I have nothing to talk about. I've been fishing the big koi pond in the local chinese joint and haven't had a single bite.
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It's a great koi for a GA gentleman.
However, It isn't wise to post koi. There is a 'medical professional' (cough cough) in TX that gets terribly upset when they are posted.
Frenemies Day 6 In Ny
in Pictures, Stories & Video
Posted
You fellows need to work on getting Tom into CAG. I see a lot of raw talent there just waiting to be brought into the fold, as it were.