SLIP’S 2018 LOGS, STATUS AND STRATEGIES

[Slip Sinker]

As I turn the last page of the “SLIP’S 2017 LOGS, STATUS AND STRATEGIES” log book on an astounding year of angling… I think back on the initial strategies and goals for the year. I wanted to tag at least (4) Trophy Master Angler Panfish and that would include one thru the ice which would be a PB using that method. I ended up with 2 trophy P.Seeds thru the ice with a PB at 9.8" as well as(13) total Master Anglers thru the rest of the open water season!

To accomplish this feat I would greatly scale down my presentations to micro lite equipment… rods, reels, lines and baits. Careful considerations of lines were incorporated into my methods which would not exceed 2# mono diameter…and super lines that would approach 8# test or above to handle the trophy quality of fishes sought.

I would also aim to make my time on the water more productive by timing the trips with solunar periods… majors and minors on New and Full Moons. I've discovered big fish follow the moon… period! 2017 proved that especially considering the hard water Ice Period. I was on the big fish spots on the peak periods and it paid off!... BIGly!!!

I think I coined a phrase “Fishing for the Numbers by the Numbers” by incorporating all methods and strategies to gain my odds on the water for numbers as well as numbers of trophies. By the end of the day and all the numbers were tallied for 2017 I broke many records for the Master Angler Program in at least 2 counties.

I’m hoping for an even better season for 2018 and success for the fishermen following BBG!

Ken

[Slip Sinker]

20180729-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--83%/80°s

[Slip Sinker]

20180729-Slip/Float/Fly/Waxie was the prevailing method again.

Perfect weather in the forecast for the day and still within the high percentage of fish activity considering the full moon I set out to one of my favorite lakes. At the launch, I found dirty water with algae bloom and weed cuts and throughout the BOW. This makes long-casting the UL jigs very difficult and unproductive.

Dirty water is where I make the slip/float method shine. I never fail to bring one or two of the rigs with me in the rod bundle for the day.

My fishing history and record has proved that most fish are shallow during most of the Summer-Peak period seeking food sources. The warm shallow waters provide a very fruitful food source the deep water just can’t provide. The more surface area exposed to the sun in the area the better for production. Fish know this. Fish stick close to the food source. Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying there are also colonies of deep-living Lepomis living off the bugs in the substrate above the thermocline in the depths.

For the day I decided to take the battle to “In Between the Docks”. Since the water had considerable debris floating the slip/float method was the tool of choice. More time in the water with a clean bait = higher output.

Since I was timing the trip to the Major.Period I expected peak fish activity and I got it. Many fish obliged to the bait offering with the fly/waxie producing above the single sole waxie on a hook and long-cast jig. The fly/waxie causes an extra kick or excitement from the fish and they over-all respond well to the presentation. Today was no different.

Expected great results from a high activity solunar day and got it. No Trophies... but continuous action throughout the trip.

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[Slip Sinker]

20180730-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--71%/80°s

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20180730-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--59%/80°s

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20180801-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--47%/80°s

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20180802-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--34%/80°s

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20180807-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--50%/80°s

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20180808-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--64%/80°s

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20180809-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--79%/80°s

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20180810-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--93%/80°s

[Slip Sinker]

20180810-My trophy fish lake did not stratify this season!

I had a short time to spend this afternoon so I thought I would do a little reconnaissance on a favorite.  I was expecting to see thermocline stratification and fish the 15 to 17 foot contour line.  I was surprised to see there was no stratification at all on the sonar screen.  This really changes my strategy for fish and the day.

After scanning the deep water breaks I could not find any significantly sized bluegill in the depths just 3 to 4 inch fish.

I then went to an early spring hotspot waypoint that was now fully populated with pads and reeds.  I tagged a sole fish in the first couple casts and found no other takers.

After vertically jigging many popular waypoints and came up empty I called it and headed towards the launch early.

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[Slip Sinker]

20180811-~~<")))))><(-*Summer.Peak*--99%/80°s