(GA) needmotime2fish
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Posts posted by (GA) needmotime2fish
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That's exactly the kind of help I was asking for.
Thanks, guys.
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Welcome to CAG. Looking forward to seeing more photos of your fish.
You'll find that the Forum is a good place to pick up lots of info (and opinions
) about carp fishing. 
Even better, it's a great place to meet new friends and fishing buddies.
If you lived just a little closer, I'd invite you to our GA fish-in on Oct 10th. We're not going to be too far from the TN line, but even so, you'd still have about a 3-4 hour drive from Newport.
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Does anyone use rabbit food (pellets) for spodding?
I picked up a bag today at Tractor Supply. The contents looked like they'd be pretty decent carp food, so I thought I'd try it. Here's the partial list of ingredients --
Alfalfa meal
Wheat
Safflower meal
Rice bran
Soybean meal
Oatmeal
Molasses
Brewer's yeast
Any suggestions for preparing this for use as a spod mix? I was thinking I could probably just soak it in water overnight before I head to the lake. Any other ideas?
Also, do you have any thoughts on whether or not I should add any added flavor or attractants?
Thanks for the input !!!
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A pair of nice ones.
Definitely worth your 30 minute drive.Looks like the one in the top photo hasn't missed many meals lately.
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Hoping for a good turnout on Oct 10th -- JUST 2 more weeks !!!!
I sent out reminders again today via PM -- and also via email to everyone who hadn't read the original PM yet.
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Several of us went to Salacoa Creek last week to "check things out".
We felt obliged to make sure it was still a good spot, and worthy of a fish-in.
John "Cannonball" Torchick and I met there on Wednesday morning. We did some spodding and fished for a while. The carp didn't cooperate too well that day -- I landed the only fish, and lost another one. But our main objective Wednesday was putting out bait for the following day, when we were expecting some company.
On Thursday, we were joined by several well-known Georgia carpers -- Horace "Ol Captain" LaFavor, Tim "Cool Dad" Gill, and Lance "Easymoney" Clements. We thoroughly enjoyed the chance to reconnect with one another. John & I hadn't seen Tim or Horace since the spring of 2014, and hadn't fished with Lance since May of this year. We had beautiful weather, and a great day of fishing and bank talk. We even managed to catch a few carp.
SIDE NOTE -- I'll add a few photos later. I off-loaded them to my upstairs computer, but I'm currently posting this from my laptop.
We probably caught about a dozen carp (all commons except one small scaled mirror), and lost a few more. That's not bad, but not great for this spot, either. However, given the hot weather this summer here in GA, we weren't surprised. This venue usually produces better when the water isn't quite as warm as it was Thursday. I believe that catching a dozen, plus losing a few more, was a pretty good sign for the upcoming GA Fall Fish In mid-October, when everything should be significantly cooler, and the carp should be more active.
Guys -- remember the date of October 10th !!! That's just 3 more weekends! As usual, everyone is welcome -- but IF POSSIBLE, please let me know in advance if you intend to come. That will help me determine how large an area to pre-bait. THANKS!!!! And "thanks" to those who have already confirmed.
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Back home now and I think I'll go upstairs, turn on the TV and watch the Braves get shellacked again.
Sorry to hear about your rod, John. I know you build them yourself, but it sounds like that one had some family history.
As for the Braves... UGH!!!
They had a 3 run lead going into the 9th, 2 outs, nobody on, and 2 strikes on the hitter, when he hits a fly to center, which was partially lost in the sun and blown away from the center fielder, and dropped in for a double. Our manager (?) promptly changes pitchers to set up a lefty-vs-lefty matchup. Of course the new pitcher walks the first guy, then gives up a 3-run Homer that tied the game. The Braves then lost it in the 10th.
That's 12 home losses in a row. BTW, the Braves hadn't lost as many as 11 consecutive home games since the 1930s, when they were still in Boston.
Yeah, I know my Braves rant is "off-topic", but John brought it up!
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After swapping several PMs with Tony, I discovered that he had found information on the NPS (National Park Service) website that suggested that Bull Sluice is included under the state DNR Trout Regulations (and thus, perhaps is not an "impoundment"). I sent Tony's findings off to Mark Puig, the state DNR enforcement officer with whom I had talked in February, to ask for further clarification. The following is Mark's reply. By the way, this was the best and most concise response I have ever received from ANY government official on any subject.
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Barry,
As far as I know I'm still the Fulton County Game Warden unless I haven't received my pink slip yet. Maybe it's in the spam folder, haha.
First, the information provided on the NPS website is just generalized info. Also, they just enforce whatever laws we have on the books, so don't go there looking for regulations.
Second, I've looked over the popular guide as well as the current regulations and nowhere do I find that Bull Sluice Lake is not considered an impoundment. Please let me know where your friend is seeing this as I cannot find that information anywhere. Bull Sluice is considered an impoundment even though it is not specifically listed in the popular guide as one. I think it was listed in the 2013 or 2014 regulations but I no longer have copies of those.
Third, NPS just hired several new officers who may not be familiar with this particular issue and I have not had a chance to meet with them. We are supposed to be doing a ride along with them soon so they can familiarize themselves with what we do. I will be sure to address this issue with the new guys.
In the meantime, if you or any of your fellow anglers receive the incorrect information again please follow these guidelines so we can all correct this issue:
1) It is paramount not to argue with the officer. Just be kind and comply and we'll work this simple issue out.
2) Have a popular fishing guide in your possession and show the officer the section on trout steam impoundments Reel in your lines and show him the bait you are using. Show him all your coolers etc. to show you are not trout fishing. It specifically says in the popular guide under Trout Fishing Rules: TROUT ANGLERS are specifically limited to the one pole per person rule. Remember that having any trout in your possession qualifies you as a trout angler.
3) Please note the uniform the officer is wearing (US National Park Service/GA DNR/Roswell PD etc.) Our (DNR) uniforms look similar to the NPS so tell your members not to just go "he was wearing green pants and a grey shirt". Look at the shoulder patch and look at the vehicle he/she is driving. NPS officers all have white SUV's as we all have either green or black F150's.
4) Make a note of the officers name, we all have some sort of nameplate. Collecting a badge number is not necessary.
5) If you receive a citation for this issue please let me know and we will work it out.
Hopefully this info is helpful!
Ranger Mark Puig
Region I-Calhoun
Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
1 Memory Lane
Calhoun, GA 30703
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Tony -- a while back, I did some checking with the Georgia DNR regarding fishing regulations in the Chattahoochee River.
The regs vary considerably depending on WHERE in the Hooch you are fishing. If you are fishing the section between the Roswell Road bridge and the dam at Morgan Falls (the area also known as "Bull Sluice Lake"), then you can legally fish for carp using the usual carp-fishing methods. That includes chumming, multiple rods, any bait (no bait fish, though), etc. That's because the state has special (more liberal) rules for fishing in an "impoundment", even if that impoundment is on a designated trout stream. However, if you are fishing using methods normally used for trout, then you are restricted to a single, hand-held rod. You must also release any trout caught when using non-trout methods.
I posted this a while back (it might have been earlier this year), after I talked directly to the DNR "enforcement officer" who is responsible for that area of the state.
If you are fishing the Hooch upstream from Roswell Road, however, then the trout regulations definitely are in force. If this still doesn't help, feel free to PM me.
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This isn't intended to address Tony's problem with the local officials, but it might give some of you another idea for making your own "fake corn". I've used it with some success, although most times, I just use the real stuff.
Instead of using plastic or rubber, simply cut corn-shaped pieces from the foam trays you get at the supermarket when you buy meat. Although these come in various colors, many stores seem to use yellow to package chicken. I keep a few strips of the yellow, pink, black, and white foam in my tackle bag "just in case". It cuts very easily with either a knife or scissors. Best of all, it's FREE !!! NOTE: Because they were in contact with raw meat, I always thoroughly wash the trays before I set them aside to use for fishing.
I've also put a dozen or so pre-cut corn-shaped pieces in small medicine bottles, and soaked them in various liquid flavors (vanilla, anise, and several commercial carp bait flavors). None of those take up much space in my tackle bag. BTW -- they seem to retain the scent long after the (few drops of) liquid flavor in the bottle has dried out.
These can be used in several ways. Paylakers sometimes use them (alone) as a pickup, directly on the hook. However, they can be used on a hair rig, either alone, or to help "lift" another bait attached to the hair.
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Welcome and congrats on taking your son and brother carping. If you will look at the CAG calendar, there will be a fish-in at Salacoa Creek State Park, SAturday, October 10th. Be good to have you and share some time with you and your son. Will your brother still be here to fish?
The park is east of Calhoun, GA on Redbud Road, GA Hwy 156. There is a small fee for parking. The fish-in is sponsored by the state chair and someone who has become a good friend, needmotime2fish.
John (skeet3t) and I thoroughly enjoy our bank time AS WELL AS our planning sessions via phone and e-mail. One of the great things about CAG -- it forms friendships!
For those interested in the fish-in, John is correct. The park is roughly 10 miles east of Calhoun on Red Bud Road (I-75 exit 315). But if you're heading north on I-75 from the Atlanta area, turn north on US-411 (I think it's exit 293), and go about 20 miles through Ranger, GA. About a mile past Ranger, turn left on Red Bud Rd. The park entrance is 3 or 4 miles, on the left.
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If you look closely, the two links (in posts #1 and #3) are slightly different.
For me, link #1 failed, but #3 worked fine.
Thanks for fixing it.
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Stunning-looking fish. Congratulations!
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We all seemed to have a good time last fall, so I thought we'd have another fall fish-in at Salacoa. ALL carp anglers are welcome, no matter if you're a CAG member or if you just want to have some fun and maybe learn more about the sport.
No details yet, other than the scheduled date (Saturday, October 10). The date is still six weeks off, but I wanted to give everyone plenty of advance notice. I'll re-post occasionally, just to keep it active on the Forum.
Salacoa Creek Park is a Gordon County park in northwestern GA, southeast of Chattanooga, TN. It's 10+ miles east of Calhoun on Red Bud Rd/GA Hwy 156 (I-75 exit 315), and also a little more than 20 miles north of Cartersville via US-411 (I-75 exit 293), then left on Red Bud Rd about a mile north of Ranger, GA.
Most of the carp aren't big (but we did bank a 12-pounder at the event last fall). They're typically in the 4-to-7 pound range, but there are some mid-teens to be caught. The main attraction of the lake is that usually a fourth to a third of the fish caught are mirrors of various configurations.
On several trips there last year we had days when we averaged as many as 8 to 10 fish per angler, and one spring day with just two of us fishing, we caught more than 30. NO PROMISES, of course -- that's not typical, but it's also not too unusual.
Since I like to prebait a day or two ahead of time, it would really help me out if you would let me know if you plan to be there. There's plenty of time to do that between now and then, of course. But that will help me decide how large an area to bait.
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If I knew any spots near me where I was comfortable fishing at night, that's the way I would go (unfortunately, I don't). A LONG time ago
I used to do most of my summertime carp fishing at night. We fished with very large dough balls -- the size of a half-dollar, and larger -- on big hooks, 2/0 and 3/0, and caught lots of 20+ pound carp, and some that had to weigh in the 30s.Not necessarily suggesting dough balls, but you asked about using bigger baits. From my experience of a long time ago, they DO work at night. Will the bigger baits work in your situation and in today's environment... Who knows?
NOTE: If you're allergic to mosquitos, use plenty of repellent but DON'T get it on your bait. Sometimes it can "repel" the fish, too. If it's legal (and safe), you might try lighting a small, smoky fire or two to help keep the bugs away from where you're set up.
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Slightly off-topic, but "puff-related". Some "other options"...
Like most of you, when I use puffs, most of the time I use Arrowhead Mills corn puffs. However, I've found that once in a while, the carp seem to prefer something slightly smaller, in which case I'll switch up and use generic store brand wheat puffs. Those will stay on the hook as well as the corn puffs, but offer the carp a smaller bite. Using the smaller puffs also gives you the option of using just a single puff -- or several -- on the hook.
Something else I've used as a "substitute" for a puff is Fruit Loops (generic). I had excellent results on them once, and decent results several other times. When using them, I generally try putting 3 on the hook with a tiny piece of styrofoam between the last FL and the barb of the hook - just enough to prevent the cereal from floating off the hook. However, I've caught carp using as few as one and as many as four FL on my hook. I don't know if it really mattered, but one day I noticed that I was only getting bites on red FL, and another day I had to use a 3-color combination. Please keep in mind that I don't really use them very often, so those observations above are based on a very limited sample.
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Very nice mirror!!! Great job on the videos also!
+1
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Very nice! Good job!
Congrats to all of you.
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Georgia's 90+ degree weather began in late June and lasted all through July and into August. We've already had about 40 days with a high of 90+ this year.
As much as I dislike sitting in front of the TV, common sense has dictated that I not take chances with the heat, so I haven't fished since June. But today the weather was to be mostly cloudy, with a breeze, and highs in the low 80's. So I FINALLY cured my cabin fever and went back to Fort Yargo for a few hours.
I had no great expectations. First, since I haven't been fishing for 6 weeks, nobody has been baiting there. And second, I knew I'd be fishing for small carp anyway (see earlier post regarding using downsized tackle).
Surprisingly, my month-old spod mix hadn't spoiled, so all I did was add some stale bread and water to it (to increase the volume). I spodded about 3/4 gallon and set out four spincast rods with canned corn on the hook and various old pack baits. I didn't even use my bite alarms today -- "old school".
I did manage to catch two small commons of about 2 lbs each (typical for the venue) and missed two other bites -- one a pull-down that wasn't taking any line, but the other bite I missed was strange. The rod bent, and the handles of the old Zebco 33 were flying, and never stopped. But when I raised the rod to set the hook, there was no fish at the other end. The 3 kernels of corn were still intact on the hook, completely undisturbed. I was using a 1/8 oz bottom walker sinker, painted chartreuse -- does anyone think that maybe the fish actually picked up my SINKER instead of the hook bait? LOL
Anyway, after not fishing for 6 weeks, I managed to shake out a few of the cobwebs today -- and I didn't blank..
I FEEL A LOT BETTER NOW !!!
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Interesting thoughts from everyone. My 2 cents' worth would be to add that IF you want to try boilies, or certain other baits, you will have no choice but to use a hair rig. But as long as you're fishing with corn or other soft baits that fish well directly on the hook, you should probably see little difference.
Lots of big carp are caught on simple baits like corn, but based on what I've read, I do believe that boilies and other dough baits catch bigger fish on average. Is that because the guys who use them are fishing venues where there are bigger fish, or is it because boilies attract bigger fish? THAT is a question I can't answer. I can say that nearly all of my biggest fish (all caught a long time ago) were caught on doughballs and a plain hook, although most of them were caught in a river known for holding large carp
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Gotta' love the smiles on the boys' faces.
As for "waiting until the last minute", I say, "better late than not at all". LOL
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Night fishing in some places is risky around here.
Here, too. The only places I know of where it's "safe" to fish at night would be the pay lakes that hold overnight tournaments, or else at closed and locked campgrounds. Those aren't good options for me, since I don't fish tournaments and I'm getting too old for camping.
The other venues I usually fish are either closed to the public after dark, or else they're frequented by "undesirables" at night.
Regardless, night fishing is still "the way to go" in hot weather.
2015 Champion of the Queen
in Public Announcements
Posted
Well deserved! Congrats, Horace!