What's on Your Fishing "Bucket List" for 2014

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

 

    As much as I fish I still have those bucket list items that motivate me beyond the determination I already display. I'm within a reasonable distance of more than a dozen rivers and countless creeks that provide me year round joy for the beloved sunfish. I've done this for several years and 2014 will be no different. I look at my bucket list as items that have a 50% chance or higher chance of happening. Here are my top five panfish quests for 2014, three are in North Carolina within 30 miles of my residence and the other two are in extreme southeastern Virginia just an hour away.

 

1. Esclip Creeks.......I've fished adjacent creeks to these with great success but have never pushed a little further to fish these remote settings off the Albemarle Sound....

 

2. Raymond Creek......I recenty had dinner with an older gentleman that caught a 13" Coppernose in this region back in the 60s.....he explained that weight wasn't a big deal back then but in his humble estimations the fish was over two pounds....his technique is a secret until I actually go with him after the full moon in May...Can't wait for that!

 

3. Great Creek......Another remote location in which I have fished adjacent creeks but never have pushed to the horizon to check this water out.......An accomplished bass angler recently assured me that I would always fish it if I found the time to go this spring/summer.....he went on to speak of Coppernose that take his big crank baits intended for bass......say no more, I'll be there this upcoming season!

 

4. Great Bridge Canal......I have not given this place a fair shake in the past......but plan to dedicate a weekend to it and a few surrounding areas....it just has my curiousity up if you will........I just get a fishing vibe and that can only be understood by fisherman.......

 

5. Finally a place with a lure like no others......BACK BAY in coastal Virginia is making a comeback and for the folks that experienced the incredible Bluegill fishing back in the day, it is most likely the best they have ever took part in! Some of the most amazing stringers of Bluegill I've ever seen in my 49 years.....I can't take anyone's word .....I've got to go and feel it in person.......would love to see it come back like it was.......

 

 

If anyone cares to share we would love to read about it......I plan to follow up next year on these trips when I get to go....my hope is that at least one or two of them will provide that bluegill adrenaline that makes me who I am!

 

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

YA KNOW JEFFREY you are truly blessed with so many great places to fish it's incredible to say the least  !!!!!! I for one , can't wait to read of your exploits at these places to see how ya do . I guess it's a foregone conclusion that you'll do well no matter were ya go buddy..........
  

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

That I am Tooty and I never lose sight of that.......Jim has mentioned it several times, but it is truly overwhelming to try and fish all available public water in the Albemarle region......Many folks never leave their home river where as I rotate between nearly a dozen rivers which in my opinion is a very important detail  in my sustained success both in numbers and most important quality sized gills......

[Tony Livingston]

Panfish quests.....

1) Continue exploring alternative methods to grow bigger Bluegill, including HBG..

2) Spend some time tinkering with Redear, and Redear/Bluegill hybrids. Lot of potential there.

3) Keep trying to figure out if the tip is enhancing the jig/bug, or if the jig/bug is there to enhance the tip.....particular emphasis on fishing tipped vs. untipped artificials.

4) Sex the yellow Perch I have in a cage, and separate the females from the males....try my hand at growing some jumbos!

5) Make time to begin mapping our ponds.....lots of undiscovered territory there, me thinks.

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Ahhh....the perspective from a pond manager.....I really enjoy following your management efforts Tony and look forward to seeing the results from your redear and yellow perch efforts........I'll try to help some on the tipping discussion which never gets old in my book......Good luck in 2014 and Happy New Year.......

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Same thing that is always on my list - a boat.

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

Good luck David......always keep an eye on it....boat deals are always out there!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Thanks Jeff - please keep the good vibes rolling, brother. Every time I get close, something always comes up that needs the money....

[james bluto gillette]

to go fish with tooty and to learn some of his tying techniques

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

I'm going to be mad if you get to fish with him before I do james....LOL.....Enjoy and learn all you can......his baits are great and we've had fun fine tuning to my region.....got some bugs with a lot of potential in 2014.....

[james bluto gillette]

we can all fish together at the same time. lol. im getting some more #6 hooks to try and see what I can come up with.

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

THIS IS AN INTERESTING THING , THE BUCKET LIST:
GUESS #1 IS TO fish with Andy more and learn from him!

            #2 would be to fish with Jeffrey, Bluto, Rick King, Dick Tabbert , and every single guy on here I've become friends with over the last two years.
            # 3 invent something completely different than what I already tie.....

           # 4 Spend less time outta state fishing with the exception of the guys I've already mentioned , and do some more pond fishing....

           #5 become a better tight line fisherman with out bobbers etc.
       If I could do have these things I'd be happy as a clam !!!!!!!!!!

[Vince Fusco]

The first thing on my bucket list is to complete the total restoration of my 1982 Bass Tracker. It has been a journey and although a fun one for the most part, I am ready to catch some gills out of it. My buddy is always telling me I am gonna have to buy a bottle of bubbly and  re-christen it, as it has been so long since it has seen any fishing time. 

I want to fish Lake Russell here in GA. this year and catch my first ever white perch. 

I want to introduce someone that has never fished before to this wonderful sport. 

I hope to catch a fish worthy of being featured on the front page of BBG.