44 degrees outside, so I went kayaking of course!

White95Max · 03-19-06, 05:53

After spending the last 4 months browsing through last year's kayaking pictures, I was determined to go this weekend. It got up to a warm (hey I'm in WI!) 44*F by the time I got back. I went down the river scouting out a new section, to familiarize myself with all of the good fishing spots. Then I can go back when the water warms up and hopefully pull bass and pike out one after another.

I found a ton of fallen trees and stumps in the water...

Then I saw a sign on the far bank, and paddled closer...

I paddled right up to the sign and got out to look around from shore. Here's why it recommended that you take out...

Good reason I guess! I looked downstream to where a couple guys were fishing, and one of them pulled in a big walleye. I'll be going back to that spot this week to try my luck there.

continued...

White95Max · 03-19-06, 05:54

As I was paddling away from the dam, I saw some gigantic shadows swimming beneath me, which soon proved to be a school of about 15 carp. The park where I launched is home to dozens of ducks, which people are constantly feeding. I'm sure those carp were so huge because of all that bread that the ducks let by. I'll have to go back to that spot with some bread in the future, and get towed around by a 30lb carp! Actually it wouldn't be the first time, thanks to a lot of kayak fishing experience on Lake Michigan! People watch and wonder how I'm moving so fast without paddling!

Since I couldn't go any further downstream, I paddled back up to the park. It was nice to take a relaxing paddle through some undeveloped area, and find some nice fishing spots along the way. When I got back to the park, I was greeted by a constant flow of garbage from the wind. Back to civilization and all the garbage that accompanies it. I had quite a collection by the time I walked from the launch to the car.

If I hook some garbage when I'm fishing, I'll be sure to thank the d*mn slobs at the park when I get back.

So then I snapped a few pics of the car. What's a kayaking trip without pictures of the car right?

I'm starting to notice how grainy the pics are sometimes from my 2.1MP. Good thing my Powershot S2 IS will be here tomorrow!

cwcad · 03-19-06, 06:16

Your post and pictures were a welcome respite from the ordinary and mundane life with which I lead during the off season. Thanks for making my day. Reminding me of river trips that I have made to streams, ponds, and lakes in Alaska. Pictures of those sweepers are night mares to a power river boater. HA!

Post pictures next week. Oh Crap, I forgot. Will not be here next week. am returning to Alaska. Keep posting those pictures i wll catch up in a couple weeks when I get my internet connection.

Have fun with your new camera. I know I am with mine.

White95Max · 03-26-06, 06:42

Today I went back to the same stretch of river, armed with two Ugly Stiks (fishing rods), a backpack of tackle, a digital scale, and some bread. You could say I caught a couple dinky ones...

My rod looked like this for much of the trip. Not surprising, since an ultralight rod and reel is meant for bluegills, not big carp.

Carp #1 (forgot to measure/weigh)

Carp #2: (23", 8.2lbs)

Carp #3: (28", 10.1lbs)

When I let carp #3 back in the water, he bulleted away from the boat and, being the genius that it obviously was, got stuck under a stump on the bottom.

So I pushed him out with my paddle, and what does it do? It swims straight into another part of the stump! Idiot!

I just left him that time. He wasn't stuck or anything...all he had to do was back up and swim around, so I let him sit there and practice some creative thinking.

truzoom · 03-26-06, 07:30

LOL. Those are some big'uns. Probably not good for eating right?

White95Max · 03-26-06, 07:42

nah, the phosphorus concentration in that water is high, causing massive algae blooms. It really makes the water look pretty nasty, and I couldn't see myself eating anything out of there. That same river, about 5 miles upstream, is a cold-water trout stream though, flowing through unspoiled forests. If I were fishing up there, I wouldn't have a problem with taking some home with me.

Quickstrike · 03-26-06, 07:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by White95Max

hehehe... that is what my goldfish do when they are in the pond with big rocks. They think if their eyes are covered on both sides, they are safe.

Corey Bit Spank · 03-26-06, 08:00

did you name the carp?

White95Max · 03-26-06, 08:01

No, but you're free to name them. I'll call their names next time I'm out and we'll see if they respond.

Corey Bit Spank · 03-26-06, 08:04

I want to buy a kayak. It looks like fun.

White95Max · 03-26-06, 08:16

Indeed it is. Especially running whitewater.

Mr. Clean · 03-28-06, 02:56

to you Paul for showing such responsibility and character by picking up what others left behind. Over the years, we managed to carry out quite of bit of trash from some of our hunting/fishing spots. People who litter are despicable.

Europeans do eat carp. IIRC, they pressure cook the fish, which "disolves" the many tiny bones, and then form them into something like salmon patties and then cook them. Supposedly they are quite tasty.