bluegill-april-2-2014

Comment

Comment by dick tabbert on April 3, 2014 at 8:59pm

Great gill Walt.

Comment by Walt Foreman on April 3, 2014 at 6:15pm

Thanks, Leo, I hope you're right!

Comment by Leo Nguyen on April 3, 2014 at 4:11pm

Can't wait to see more reports on the ponds you're managing. We'll probably see monstrous fishes being caught as the months warm up soon.

Comment by Walt Foreman on April 3, 2014 at 3:45pm

Yes, I manage the pond that this one came out of, Leo, as well as the pond the other fish I posted came out of.  I'm hoping this year may actually be the first that these ponds turn a profit - my first booking was a month earlier this year than last, and I'm getting more inquiries than this time a year ago, so we'll see.  

I think you're about right on the price of the net.  I figure if it keeps a few more pound-plus 'gills in these ponds it was money well-spent.

Comment by Leo Nguyen on April 3, 2014 at 2:49pm

Great looking gill Walt. Private pond you managed?

The net is essential for handling the trout for CPR (capture-picture-release) purposes. The smooth material is key to prevent the protective slime you know so well from rubbing off the body. Of course, always dip the net and make sure it's completely wet before placing the fish into the net. I use the trout's net similar to yours for gill as well. A larger special nylon net is for the bigger games. That net must have set you back about $40?

Comment by Walt Foreman on April 3, 2014 at 2:16pm

Thanks, guys!  You're right, Jeffrey - I use the rubber nets specifically because I think they're probably not as hard on the fish, a smooth surface rather than an abrasive one.  And, they definitely are much less prone to snagging hooks.  I had read somewhere a while back that they are better for catch and release, so that's the primary reason I use them.  

Comment by Jeffrey D. Abney on April 3, 2014 at 8:26am

Great Gill......I love the rubber landing nets.....I feel like they are better for fish that will be released......They are more expensive than others but baits don't get wrapped up as often either......You probably have an opinion on this Walt.....care to share?

Comment by Adam Rink on April 3, 2014 at 7:08am

Awesome fish Walt.

Comment by Walt Foreman on April 3, 2014 at 6:13am

This is one from my best pond, caught by a couple guys from Michigan that I guided for two days.  

Comment by carl hendrix on April 2, 2014 at 9:59pm

are you feeding these miracle grow?  nice fat one!