Dover Park Channel Cats

[Stump Bumper]

Where you at Big Country? All us that can't fish right now are looking for a fishing report from you and wydingo....LOL....Ray

[big country]

well ray,
wyndigo said he's for the rodeo.
and there still biting at dover wyndigo said today he caught a couple nice ones and you know about the nice ones i caught including my double header(quess it's a good thing i didn't have three rods out)...lol...

[Stump Bumper]

Man, there's just something about this cold weather that turn's these central Florida Channel Cats on!....Ray

[big country]

i don't know i do just as well in the summer too.
you just gotta hold your mouth right...lol...

[Wyndigo]

Hey I'm here! :) was gonna go this morning early but had a lil too much celebrating last night and slept in late, might sneak down to the park in awhile though and see whats going on.

Alan

[Stump Bumper]

Glad to see you made it over Alan! If you go later, let us know how you did....Ray

[big country]

good luck alan,
i took the youngins' to medard park for a little bit. i was dying to try this new bait out(ray and kirk know what i'm talking about)...lol...didn't get the first hit oh well try,try again right. but we did see one guy catch about five pounder off the catwalk...

[capt.kirk]

HEY BIG COUNTRY
Dont feel bad,we spent about 6 hrs on TARPON LAKE,saturday and didnt
catch anything,but we didnt fish a lot,we were exploring the lake,and
checking depth and cover,we went the total length of the lake,and out
thru the canal that comes in from TAMPA BAY,we turned around when
could read the highway signs on us19 pointing back toward the north,it was a learning day,most everybody we saw were in a group of about 30 or more
boats,trying to catch specks,from what i saw in touring around,they were
fishing in the wrong place.i spotted tons of them in places that no one
was fishing.
KIRK

[Wyndigo]

I didnt make it out today, a buddy of mine needed a ride to the ER, he's got a virul infection (took'm 5 hours to figure that out!) so maybe tommorow I'll go try for awhile, need to get a few more for the dinner table, those two the other day were good eating :)
Nice to be "seen" Ray lol, just dern happy to be out and fishing again
too much time this past year not being able to do so.

Alan

[Stump Bumper]

Well guys, I got real bored today so to keep myself occupied, I went to Home Depot, bought some 1/4 inch X 2foot X 25 feet roll of Hardware Cloth, some zip ties, some PVC Pipe and some of those long tube Floaties (the ones that kid's play with while swimming). Then I started making floating Bait Pens. I got one almost done so far. I'll finish it and start on another one tomorrow. These will be taken to the River this year at tournament time. The small one I will finish tomorrow will hold 2 dozen hand sized bream. The large one I'm gonna build will hold 4 dozen. These pens work great and if you plan on fishing the Flathead Tournaments this year, don't leave home with-out one. When I get them done, I'll post a few pics. P.S. These also work great at Turkey Creek or Dover to keep them Channel Cats or Crappie alive and well until it's time to leave....Ray

[big country]

is it just me or did we just have a conversation on this a couple of days ago...lol...
if you get to bored you can make me one too...lol....hehehehe:p :p :p

[Stump Bumper]

If I can make one that turns out nice enough, I might offer one as a door prize at the tournament. I just got to figure out how to spruce them up a little....LOL....Ray

[big country]

let me know if you need help...:p

[Stump Bumper]

John, you were right about Bill's Bait & Tackle. Rick helped us out alot. Heck, I was even able to pass out 5 tournament flyers while I was there. Give me a yell this weekend if you want to take a look-see at the bait pens....Ray

[capt.kirk]

HEY RAY
Sounds like great news on BILLS BAIT & TACKLE we need all the help we
can get.All the flyers that i took to 1 STOP BAIT & TACKLE were gone,also all were gone,
from TARPON TOMS BAIT & TACKLE I will have to make some more copys of 1 page and then pass out some more tommorow.
KIRK

[capt.kirk]

HEY BIG COUNTRY
I am working on a new catfish bait,that will be so good that it will probably
be outlawed from all catfish tournaments in 2007:D
KIRK

[big country]

hey kirk
if it's good you might want to get a pattent on it...lol...:p
i'm sure we'll find out what it is in feb......:rolleyes:

[capt.kirk]

HEY BIG COUNTRY
We are coming to TURKEY CREEK on the 16th,i will be testing it there,
It does have 2 things that you have to watch close,#1 if you get it on
your hands the smell may never come off,#2 if you some how get it in,
your mouth,call 911 to get medical attention.
KIRK
ROD WRECKER BAIT CO.:)

[big country]

that sounds pretty caustic....:p

[capt.kirk]

HEY BIG COUNTRY
It is pretty potent,but not as bad as DRAINO,It has not eat thru the plastic
container,YET.:D
KIRK

[capt.kirk]

HEY WYNDIGO
Looks like you had a time at dover with the rudeness that you were exposed
to,glad to see that someone apologized for the rudeness,and that you
got a straight awnser from someone that knew what he was talking about.
I would have been like BIG COUNTRY,They would have got an earful of
comments,that i wont repeat on here.The best thing is you got it off your
chest,and hope all is well now.:)
KIRK

[Stump Bumper]

Sound's like those son of a guns that come once or twice a month and screw up the fishing by playing with those "toy" power boats. They went to the county a some years back and got premission to use up half the lake to race their model power boat's on the weekend. They just come right in and set up like they own the place and could care less about people who are trying to fish. I've had the same thing happen to me on several occassions there and I gotta say I've never met a bigger group of ***holes in my life....Ray

[big country]

yeah ray i would have to agree...........

[Wyndigo]

I tried again this past sunday at dover and guess who was there... yep they were out with their boats, so I didnt stay too long, may try medard on friday, just checked wunderground.com for the weather/wind report, looks like 3 to 5 mph winds and with my small jon boat that shouldnt be too bad :)
btw John, you said that maybe someone would loan me a trolling motor for the tourney, have an uncle that will let me if I get to fish it :D
Also had a job interview with home depot the other day, will have to see how that works out and go from there.

Alan

[big country]

sounds good alan....tear em' up friday...

[Stump Bumper]

Good luck tomorrow Alan. There's a real good spot about 300 yards from the boat launch. Let us know how you do....Ray

[Fatkat]

If you all are having trouble with those toy boats I can loan you a rifle with a scope, or if they get 'em close enough you can use my 9mm. lol :D

[Wyndigo]

lol I have a better way, get their radio control numbers and add them to my own control that I have for an RC truck and have some fun :D
watching boats run into each other LOL

Alan

[capt.kirk]

HEY ALAN
That would be a fun payback,watching the boats go crazy,back several
years ago,when they first started flying the radio control air planes,if we
could get on the right channel,on the cb radio,we could key the mike and
cause the operator to lose control,causing some big time crashes,and
some very pissed of owners.:mad:
KIRK

[Wyndigo]

tried medard park this morning and the wind got up earlier than they said
small jon boat + wind = bleh! :mad:
maybe another time :rolleyes:

Alan

[Wyndigo]

stayed home for awhile then decided to try dover ball park, ended up catching 6, 4 small ones and 2 decent ones, biggest was around 3 pounds
released them all to be caught another day :D
thought I'd try some beef liver and the two bigger fish were caught on that
was still getting hits when I left, but my gut was saying **Feed Me** lol
ya'll take care

Alan

[Schoe]

Wyndingo, where is dover park located? Is it close to Brandon? Schoe

[big country]

hey schoe it is just down the road from turkey creek it is about 7 or 8 miles north of it when you get down and want to go there one afternoon i would be glad to show it you and i'm sure ray show it to you also...
and odds are we could find alan there catching them up...lol...
shoot i mite go out there this evening.....yep thats whatta i'm gonna do i'm gonna take the youngins' out there this evening...:D

[big country]

hey ray what are doing this evening???
do you want to meet at dover for a little bit?

[Stump Bumper]

Sure, it'll have to be a little later, as in 5pm or 6pm as I have to go to Zephyerhills today but if I get back sooner, I'll see you over there....Ray

[big country]

allright then ray...talk about coindence i just back from z-hills

[Schoe]

Big, I will see if I can get the wife to ride over that way in the next few days and fish a little, I can bring my boat and equipment. We want to check the area from New Port Richey to Brandon for a place we can possibly rent next winter. We are in a beach House this year and am not going to do this again. The first week my wife had to clean the whole kitchen. I mean dishes were cruddy as were the drawers and pots and pans. The belt on the vacuum was broken and we tried to buy one at the hardware store without any luck. We have complained to the rental agency two weeks ago and still no luck. You can Imagen what the carpet by the door looks like with all the sand around here. Oh yeah, there is 4 outside light fixtures that have no bulbs in them We have this one till Mar. first and then moving to a nicer one down at Indian Pass. Later Schoe

[big country]

well keep us informed schoe as far as your boat dover park is just a lil'pond but you can go to t.c which is just down the road a bit and if for some unseen surcomestance i can't make i know ray or kirk can it would be great if all of us members could get together before the rodeo....

[Schoe]

Sounds like a winner. Schoe

[Wyndigo]

Hey Schoe,
John is right, Dover park is small, like 10 acres for the lake
but theres several places thats fishable from the bank, maybe one day I'll meet ya'll down there.
Sorry to hear about the place your staying at, that sucks

Alan

[big country]

just got back from the park had a few hits ihooked into one small one and let my 6 year old reel it in...i found a half dead shiner on the side of the pond so i kooked it onto my 12 year olds rod and she had one straighten the hook on her but all in all this trip was for them to get out on the water.....

[Stump Bumper]

I just got back, sorry I wasn't able to make it over in time. Did ya'll do any good today?....Ray

[big country]

thats all right ray you didn't miss much....

[Wyndigo]

if this wind dies down a little I'm going out this afternoon for awhile and see whats biting, need a few big ones (I'm hungry for catfish) :D

Alan

[big country]

alan there is still a big one in there, i know for a fact

[Wyndigo]

I tried again this afternoon, caught 4 small ones
thinking about going again tomorrow morning while
the winds are down and see what happens.

Alan

[Schoe]

Wyndigo, did you fish the Dover Ball Park? Schoe

[Wyndigo]

Hi Schoe, I went for a little while this morning, just as I pulled into the parking lot I noticed that my *service engine soon* light was on, stayed for an hour and couldnt quit worrying about my car, so I came home and now its in the shop :confused: and while I was gone walmart called me for a job interview, so I have to be there at 2pm today (keep your fingers crossed :) I need a job)
so I'm not sure when I'll get back out to fish.

Alan

[Catbird]

Wyndigo, good luck with the job interview. If you get it, you can let us know ahead of time when they are doing discounts/closeouts...lol

[Schoe]

What do you think Catbird,a inside track to Wally World Specials. Good luck Windigo. I hope they aren't like the Military with you knowing a lot about sporting goods and put you in Floral. Good luck Schoe

[Stump Bumper]

hey yall its me tyler bye

[Stump Bumper]

just the other day nancy caught a fish-Ray

[big country]

dang ray talk about leaving us hanging,you kmow the drill give us some detail size,where,when,bait come on give us the story......lol...


hey tyler....

[Wyndigo]

well, the interview went good and I went to take the drug test which I have no worries about, so maybe next week I can go in for orientation,the job is doing the cleanup (maintenence) which is ok cause I can always move up plus its part time which is what I need to start with and heck yeah, I'll let ya'll know about any sales :D plus I will get 10% off of items :D

Alan

[Catbird]

Schoe, talk about Wally specials, as I was going into Hillsboro last week, I saw a sign that the local Kmart's had about a 50% sale. I checked out the sporting goods but they didn't have a lot. I did see this 10# tub of fish attractant. It is a block with a rope on it. There was no price so I had them check. They had some trouble so they called a manager back with a special scanner. The lady said how does 10 cents sound. I said good can I get a few more. Sure, take them all. When I pulled the rest off the shelf, they sold for $10 ea. I ended up with 5 tubs of the 10# and also 2 6# tubs of grainular attractant. Total cost w/tax 75 cents. The total should of been $75. That is uh....1000% off..lol When I checked the receipt, they rang up as some kind of lure on clearance. After submerging, the blocks are supposed to last up to 2 weeks w/no current. Don't know if they work but couldn't pass up the deal.

[big country]

what k mart was this???

[Catbird]

It was Hillsboro, Ohio.

[Schoe]

Dale, I hope the stuff works. You might have stumbled onto something. What is it , some kind of Blood meal? Schoe

[Wyndigo]

just so ya'll will understand why I've been looking for a part time job
I'm posting a picture of myself from august 19th 2003, the morning of my gastric bypass surgery and the start of a new life for myself.
At this point I weighed over 500 pounds, had arthritis in both knees,high blood pressure and was borderline diabetic and hadnt worked in quite sometime.
Oh yeah, add Depression to the mix, anyway, I had the surgery and within two months I was off the blood pressure & diabetic medication, now at two and a half years after surgery I weigh around 250 or so, can walk long as I need to and have started looking for work..Plus I can now sit in that lil jon boat :rolleyes:
Last year I had some major difficulties from the bypass, including having my intestines twisting/being herniated and blowing a small hole out of my stomach then less than a month later they twisted again...wanna talk PAIN? then I had a blockage in the urinary system fixed, then a kidney stone that took a second try to get followed by three and a half months of vertigo, now I am better and getting back to losing weight, yep I wanna lose at least 30 more pounds and working will help that, so has going fishing.
Ok thats my story (most of it anyways) sorry for the book that I have written :) ya'll take care

Alan

p.s. I'll try to get an updated picture to add on here so everyone can see how I look now and Hope that its with a BIG ole catfish!

[Fatkat]

Hey Tyler, have you been catching any more of those tournament winning channel cats?

[Schoe]

Wyndigo, I can personally feel for your problems you have been through. I myself, have been overweight for years and it has been an uphill battle to loose any weight.
My son and daughter both went through a similar procedure almost two years ago and it has turned both of their lives around. They have energy to run and have a desire to get up and do things that once was an effort.
I haven't had a cigarette for 8 years and let me tell you that wasn't easy till I had no choice but to quit when I was taken to a hosp. and hooked up to a machine for 8 1/2 months.
So congrats on doing what you had to do as I know that had to be a scary and a difficult decision for you to make and I hope you do well now as a result of what you have been through. Schoe

[Wyndigo]

Thanks Schoe My dad smoked for years, even tried being hypnotised and that didnt work, so I'm glad that you have quit. I used smokeless tobacco for years and finally quit, bad thing is, once you are hooked you are always hooked, I still crave it at times, but I know that if I ever start again that I wont be able to stop, plus my girlfriend wouldnt kiss me ever again lol so no way I'm gonna start back.
I'm also happy to hear that your son & daughter had the surgery and are both doing fine now, I just wish that I could have met my surgeon years ago and had it done.

Take care

Alan

[rockinmichigan]

Y'all crack me up. Could you guys define cool weather? Up here its in the 20s and 30s the last couple days. Highest its been this month is 50. LOL

[Stump Bumper]

Now that's cold! I was thinking about going over to Dover Park today if it warms up a little. I just put the dogs out and it's about 48 degrees right now. I know, I know, guess I've been in Florida too long....LOL....Ray

[Stump Bumper]

Well, I see where my grandson Tyler snuck on here and posted while I wasn't looking so I'll talk to him and if he want's to post I'll tell him he has to join and come up with his own user name....LOL....Hey Windigo, I'm gonna try to get over to Dover Park today, maybe I'll see you there....Ray

[Wyndigo]

hey Stump Bumper, I'm gonna try to get back out this afternoon, probably around 2-3 pm maybe earlier and will be there till about 6, hope to see you there. by the way I drive a silver ford taurus (dirty one right now lol) so if you see it out front I'm there :)

Alan

[big country]

gentlemen you guys should do pretty good this evening looks like it 's gonna be a nice one.......i'll be waiting on the report...lol

[Stump Bumper]

I got out early this morning, got over there, the park was deserted and it was cold so I came on back home. Anybody else have any luck today?....Ray

[Wyndigo]

I went this afternoon around 2 and fished till 4, caught two, one was eating size but let him go after a couple of pics, my mom & sister dropped by down there with the camera, plus my sister took a couple of pics of the lake, I'll post them here in abit. :)

Alan

[big country]

hey alan, you ain't catching all my fish outta my spot are ya....lol....:p
now i know why they weren't biting good the other day you done gave them sore mouths...:p

[Wyndigo]

lol John nah I miss more than I catch, so I know they are out there
forgot to tell ya'll yesterday that I missed another big one, almost took my larger rig in.

Alan

lets see if this works, added pics to photobucket.com
http://photobucket.com/albums/f319/Wyndigo1962/

[hushpuppy]

Hey Ya'll, I got next saturday off. Feb. 4th are any of ya'll going to dover? Let me know.

[big country]

if i'm not woking i might get out there

[Wyndigo]

if possible I'll make it, let me know a time :) I usually start fishing around 2-3 pm until dark


Wyndigo

[hushpuppy]

sounds like a good enough time to me. might take my god-daughter with me.

[big country]

how old is she hush pup?

[hushpuppy]

6 years old. And she can catch em' with the best.

[big country]

:p :p :p if i come i might bring my youngins' both girls 6 and 12.....maybe your can show mine how to have a little patience when it comes to fishing...lol

[hushpuppy]

i'll try...lol

[Wyndigo]

:) went today, got more premo hehe, caught 7 in a couple of hours
even fished while it rained a little and the temp dropped abit, was nice out there. gonna try again in a day or two, depends on when/if walmart calls me to come in for orientation and try one of those deeper holes on the north end
"deep at dover being 20 feet" who knows, might be where that bigger one is :)

Wyndigo

[Schoe]

Windigo, I want to thank you for the bunch of pictures you posted the other day. I haven't been able to post or send any pictures from this system here and better leave well enough alone.
Also I must have missed it where you got the job at K-Mart for sure. Congrats are in order.
I've been down with the Flu the last few days and haven't been on here much. A bunch of people in our neighborhood here have been down with it. I think I may be on the back side of it now.

[rockinmichigan]

Schoe, people at my work have been getting the flu bug, the 24-36 hour kind. Seems as though that's slowed down now, but was running fast a week or two ago. Luckily I haven't caught any of the sort.
Wyndigo, how big were those kitties runnin'?

[capt.kirk]

I Would Like To Unwelcome My Self From The Bug Club Asap
Yuck

[Stump Bumper]

I hope ya'll get tofeeling better, we've been real lucky to have dodged that flu bug so far....Ray

[Wyndigo]

hi everyone, I got a call this morning, I start my orientation thursday morning at walmart :D I got the job! YAY! lol I know it may not sound like much of a job, but to me its the start of a new life (yet again, first time was after my weight loss surgery)

Schoe: its fairly easy to post the pics,if you need help let me know and I'll do what I can :) and I hope that you get well soon, my girlfriend has had that nasty mess for over a month now.

Capt. Kirk: get to feeling better Soon, so you can get back out to fishing :D

Rockinmichigan: most of them are small, now and then I've been getting a decent sized one, the biggest was between 8 & 10 pounds, my best yet :D
and I put it back for another time.

[rockinmichigan]

Wyndigo, that's not too shabby catching that 8-10 pounder. I'd be too tempted to keep that and get some dinner off that :D

[Stump Bumper]

Wyndigo, I drove over to Dover Park this morning about 9:30am to see if anybody was doing any good. There were some people walking but nobody fishing. Congradulations on working at WalMart. I heard employee's get a 10% discount which ain't a bad deal. I'll see you over there in the fishing department....LOL....Ray

[Wyndigo]

hey Ray once I get to working let me know if you need to buy some things, will go after work and use my discount :) gonna save me some money on premo bait lol Usually I go out to fish about 230 to 3 pm till dark, never did much good out there in the mornings, plus my girlfriend likes to keep me on the phone in the mornings :rolleyes: she's gonna have to quit that when I start work.

Rockinmichigan: I was very tempted to keep that big one and have some nice fried catfish, but something just said to let it go to fight another day (Hoping I'll catch it again lol) I just wish that I'd been able to get pics before releasing it, but its my sisters digital camera, one day I'll get my own :)


Ya'll take care ... hmmm may sneak out later and try :D

Wyndigo

[leesblue]

hey fellas been a member sense last friday and have a few qustions about river fishing for cats in hillsbourgh and polk county does anybody know anywhere good to fish for those big river cats! i will be a part of the turkeycreek rodeo and can hardly wait.

[Stump Bumper]

Welcome to the site leesblue. I don't fish the Hillsborough River too much so I couldn't tell you. I know Big Country has fished the Tampa By-Pass Canel alot so he may be able to point out a few spots. On the weekends you may want to try Dead River Group Camp. It's at the end of Dead River Road that cuts off to the left, off Hwy 301 about a mile south of the entrance of the Hillsborough River State Park. Good luck....Ray

[rockinmichigan]

Wyndigo, I have a hard time releasing fish that are keeper size. Only time I'd throw back is if I caught just one that was a keeper size, or if it was over my limit. But an 8-10 pounder if that was the only one I'd have to make an exception for. I don't catch them that big. Typically the catfish and bullhead I catch are around anywhere from 1-3 pounds.

[Wyndigo]

hey Rockinmichigan that was the biggest one I caught that day, all of the others were small, by small I mean 10 inches or so, not even big enough to grease a pan for lol
Most of what I catch that are keeping size are around what you get, 1 to 3 pounds and alot of times I will throw them back, just depends on how much I want some fish for dinner :)
Take care

Wyndigo

[rockinmichigan]

Wyndigo, here in Michigan channel cats have to be at least 12" in order to keep them. If they're less then that, even if it was legal to keep them I'd throw them back since when they're 12-13" it can be a pain in the butt to clean 'em. You can clean them and get good fillets when they're a foot, but they're easier to clean when they're a little bigger, for me anyways. Well worth the time though, catfish are good eatin'.

[Wyndigo]

rockinmichigan, I'll have to learn all the rules for fishing once I go back to michigan (when I get to fish) and need places that I can take my girlfriend
so it will have to be wheelchair accessable for her, I took her fishing during one of her visits here in florida to the skyway pier, it was her first fishing trip in 18 years and she had a blast, caught lots of fish and had dolphins begging for our baitfish :) that made her day.

as far as smaller catfish go, they are a pain to clean if too small and they are the ones that seem to fin me :mad: alot quicker than a large one does

Take care

Wyndigo

[rockinmichigan]

Wyndigo, if you have any questions about fishing in MI, like rules, etc., let me know and I'll see what I can do about helping you with any answers you'll need. I'm not sure about wheelchair accessibility up north, but I know a couple places in my neck of the woods in SE Michigan that would be very accessible for your girlfriend.

[Wyndigo]

thanks Rockinmichigan, I need to know all I can so I can stay out of trouble with the DNR :D never been in any trouble with the law of any sort and dont wanna start.
I know that around alpena theres a few places where I can take her fishing
a few guys in that area told us about them, so I'll have to check that over and go from there and I know that it will be some time before we fish since I'll be headed up there right at winter time.
Thanks again and take care

Wyndigo

[rockinmichigan]

Wyndigo, I'll get you some details on some of the state limits, sizes, etc. When you fish up here do you know what specifically you'll be targetting, like crappie, catfish, etc? Only reason I ask is because I don't want to overwhelm you with every little dirty rule that's up here.

[Wyndigo]

Rockinmichigan, catfish mainly and anything else thats edible, long as I dont have to use a flyrod, never could do that :rolleyes: and like I said in the other post, need a place thats wheelchair accessable for my girlfriend (future wife) :D
by the way, I started another post called "it's whats for dinner" about the fish I caught today, will have a pic of them soon.
Ohh speaking of my girlfriend, she corrected me, I do know where Hillman is but I was thinking of another place, Fairview, where she lives is kinda in the middle of the two.
Thanks again for any info

Wyndigo

[rockinmichigan]

I'll have to check out your other post, Wyndigo. There's some good bluegill waters up that way if you choose to use some of the little ones that are as long as your thumb for bait. I'm not sure how frequent the flatheads are up there, but around here you can find some 20-30+ pounders that will eat up bluegill like they were hotcakes.

[Wyndigo]

now thats what I'm looking for! a BIG ole catfish and I dont mind catching bluegill either :) actually any fish that will hit, I dont mind bringing it in.
Take care

Wyndigo

[rockinmichigan]

Here's some limits for you Wyndigo:
Yellow perch 50
Sunfishes-combination of 25 of black and white crappies, bluegill, green and hybrid sunfish, longear, pumpkinsed, redear, rock bass, and warmouth.
White bass-25
Those species listed above have no size limits and are open all year

Flathead cats-15"
Channel cats-12"
Both of those are open all year long

Northern pike-24" (daily limit on northerns is 2)
Muskie-42" (daily limit on muskie in Michigan is one per day)
You'll have to check which lake you'll be fishing at to make sure those two species are in season at that respective lake. If you're not sure, let me know and I'll help look for you.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass-14"
Both of those are catch and release right now as far as I know, no matter the size.

Walleye-15" except on Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River where its 13"
On Lower Peninsula inland lakes unless otherwise closed to fishing the season is last Saturday in April to March 15th.

When all in season, you can have a limit of 2 northern pikes, or a combination of five of the following species: walleye, smallmouth, largemouth, and northern pike.

[Wyndigo]

Thanks Rockinmichigan, thats a good start on the info, also how much are the fishing license?
Take care & stay warm

Wyndigo

[rockinmichigan]

A year round license is $14, that covers all species except trout and salmon. To get a year round pass plus a stamp for trout and salmon the total is $28. A day pass is $7. That's for residents. For out of state residents, a 24 hour pass is $7, a year round restricted pass is $34, and for all species is $42.

[Wyndigo]

Thanks again Rockingmichigan, the price from the basic license is the same here in florida $14 I'll have to find out how long I have to live there before I can get the resident one, think its 6 months here, is there a web page with the info? that way I wont be driving you crazy with all these questions LOL :rolleyes:
Thanks again though

Wyndigo

[big country]

alan go on the boc site and go to the state that your looking for and they will have a section under the that states forum for the information you need

[hushpuppy]

Well Fella's it don't look like I'll be takin' my god-daughter fishin' on saturday. she's got a fever and some other problems. I may still go out there though.

[rockinmichigan]

Wyndigo, happy to help with any questions you may have. About the length of residency, I'll have to refer you to the MI DNR website, or you can check out the BOC site like Big Country suggested. Here's a link to the Michigan DNR site:
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr
If you can't find any info there should be a listing of email addresses you can find to email your question, or check out the FAQ.

[Wyndigo]

Thanks again Rockinmichigan, I'll have a look there and Thanks Big Country
I'll look over at BOC for that info.

dont look like I'll make it tommorow to the park either, Hushpuppy
have to work 7-4, by the time I get home,change and get things loaded it would be dark, maybe another time

Ya'll take care

Wyndigo

[big country]

i ain't gonna make it either i got company in town......

[hushpuppy]

Didn't turn out to be too good a day anyhow. We'll try again some other time.

[Wyndigo]

I have the next 4 days off, so look out catfish :D
and being its during the week, wont be any toy boats out there in my way.

Wyndigo

[big country]

go get alan em' ...................

[Wyndigo]

going in the morning with my cousin, will be his first time fishing for cats at the ballpark and our first time fishing together in awhile now
gonna get him setup with some premo :) and hope we catch some eating sized fish.
Ya'll take care

Wyndigo

[Stump Bumper]

Alan, I take it you cousin hasn't fished with dipbait before? Man is he gonna be surprised! Good luck and let us know how you do....Ray

[Stump Bumper]

John and Alan, I'm off work Wednesday and Thursday of this week. If ya'll want to link up over at Dover in the late afternoon for a little fishing, let me know....Ray

[Wyndigo]

hey Ray I'm good for wednesday afternoon, what time do you wanna meet up there? I caught 7 today, kept 4 to eat, no big ones

Alan

[big country]

hey ray, i'm good for thursday let me know and we'll meet up?????

[Wyndigo]

my cousin didnt make it today, he left work early last night sick, so he said he'd like to try another time, which is fine by me :) I'll fish most anytime that I'm off work.
and no, he's never used dipbait
Alan

[Stump Bumper]

I'll try to get there around 1pm til 4pm tomorrow and Thursday afternoon a little later around 3pm to 6pm. Hope to see ya'll there....Ray

[Wyndigo]

I caught 2 small ones today, didnt take a coat with me and got cold, so I came home. gonna have to try another of those deeper holes next time out :)

Alan

[Stump Bumper]

Alan, I must have missed you today, I was there from around 2pm- 4:30pm. Didn't catch any but I was entertained. Some older black lady was bream fishing on the other side of the lake directly across from me and one of her cane poles got yanked in. For 2 hours I watched this cane pole get dragged all over the lake until this guy was finally able to cast out and snag the line. He reeled it in and it had a 2 pound channel cat on it....LOL....The old lady had already gone home so I put the collapseable pole in my truck. If I see her over there tomorrow I'll give it to her. That guy let the channel cat go to fight another day. Anyway, that's my fish story for the day....Ray

[big country]

ray i aint gonna be out there tomorrow i gotta go look at a house after work.....

[Wyndigo]

hey Ray, sorry that I missed you down there, I got there about 130 or so and stayed till almost 5, hard to believe that I spent last winter in Upper Michigan and actually got cold here today, wet cold with wind.
I saw that lady fishing when I first got there, she was on the back side, around the corner from the tree where I used to fish, I drove around that way to see if you were there, knew who to look for from your pics :) but wasnt sure what you drove :confused:

Alan

[Stump Bumper]

Hey John, I know about house hunting, hope ya'll find something you like....Ray

[Stump Bumper]

Alan, if you see a brown 97 Chevy S-10, that's mine. Just look around, I shouldn't be too far away....LOL....Ray

[Wyndigo]

not gonna be out there today, just too dang windy and I gotta work all weekend, 12-9 pm and my uncle just called asking if we (my mom & myself) wanted to join him & my aunt at church, so we said yes.
Maybe next week I can get back out to fish again :)

Alan

[Stump Bumper]

Alan, I took Don Minchew and Maurice Sawatis over to Dover to have a look at our favorite lake. They really want the chance to fish it someday and couldn't believe that it actually has some big Snook in it. I told them that I had seen schools of Snook swim by in the shallows but have never saw anyone catch one out of there....Ray

[Wyndigo]

hey Ray glad you got to show them where we fish at, and would be glad to fish with them down there someday :) I've yet to see any snook down there
or anyone catch one. I'm off for the rest of the week, so watch out fish lol
supposed to be going saltwater fishing today, will post tonight on how that goes.

Alan

[Wyndigo]

hey Ray, remember this... Alan, I must have missed you today, I was there from around 2pm- 4:30pm. Didn't catch any but I was entertained. Some older black lady was bream fishing on the other side of the lake directly across from me and one of her cane poles got yanked in. For 2 hours I watched this cane pole get dragged all over the lake until this guy was finally able to cast out and snag the line. He reeled it in and it had a 2 pound channel cat on it....LOL.... ?
I forgot to tell ya'll, I was fishing the other day at the park and these two guys walk up, I have talked with them a little before down there, next thing I know, one is telling me about this same incident lol, except that catfish grew to a 20 pounder :rolleyes: LOL gotta love the way a story And fish can grow.

I did go to the skyway pier yesterday and it was baddddddd, only caught like 5 SMALL grunts, we're talking 4 or 5 inches long max... oh well, the people that went with me were ok with it :)

I went this afternoon/evening back to the ballpark, ended up with 9 cats, biggest was about 2 pounds, the rest were small. But it sure beat yesterdays fishing :D

Alan

p.s. oh yeah, do stick fish count? LOL caught one of those pine fish

[big country]

hey alan did you try that shrimp yet and how did it do????

[Wyndigo]

hey John yeah I tried the shrimp and had no luck with them, gonna go today to medard park and see how I can do out there, I also tried the magic bait chicken liver/chicken blood dough ball bait, the small cats liked it.

Alan

[Wyndigo]

went out today, fished off the bridge, caught 3 & lost 1 at the top of the water. the one I lost was hooked on the shrimp soaked in yum/shad and the three caught were on premo stink bait. the biggest weighed 4 pounds (one of the guys I gave the fish to had a set of scales) then I gave him & his fishing buddy the rest of my premo & 2 packs of the Big "N"s so they could give it a try.
Ya'll take care

Alan

[big country]

alan if that had been on sat. you might have won the big fish pot.......lol:p

[Wyndigo]

:p but where was I at? wally world :rolleyes: oh well, its a job :)

Alan

[Schoe]

Allen and Big, I do apologize for not getting around to seeing or talking to you guys while down in the area as we were chasing our tail the whole three days that I was there. Next time I get down that way I plan on being there a week or more and be able to relax more.
I really liked the lake and surrounding area. The people were very friendly and helpful and I am looking foreword to coming back. Schoe

[capt.kirk]

ALAN
now that you have proven what i have been telling everyone about
the purple stuff,do you think someone may finally get the message???
KIRK

[big country]

hey kirk i caught my big cat on the purple stuff and a striper on it also which happened to catch two more cats for me so i guess i could say it three outt of four cats i caught that day right...lol
schoe i got to talk to you a little bit at dinner and at the lake so you don't have to apologize to me, i knew were a busy man.......

[Wyndigo]

Kirk: I'll be going back out next week to medard park and will try the purple shrimp mix again :) this time if possible I'll be out in my jon boat and can try more areas, but yep, I'll let a few people in on that secret bait of yours :)

Schoe: Thats ok, I know ya'll were busy as all get out, not sure when you'll be back down this way, if its next year I'll most likely be in Michigan, if things go as planned I should be up there around september or october (long story that I'll share one day) :) and who knows, maybe one of these days I'll visit your area, I have been to Illinois in the past to visit with friends, so ya never know
:)
ohh how can I get a WIF hat or shirt? I'd be more than happy to pay for them, just let me know
Ya'll take care

Alan

[capt.kirk]

ALAN
I guess i am going to have to come up with some more bait mixes,and
will be happy to share them with everyone,one of us will see to it that
you get a hat,and it wont cost you anything,i may have to get SHOE
to send RAY,some extras for our friends down your way.you may have
to wait a little while,i think he will have a new supply when he gets home.
KIRK

[Stump Bumper]

Alan, I've got an extra cap for you, I'll put it in the truck and when I see you out fishing I'll give it to you....Ray

[big country]

ray when is your next trip to the park????
i might go out there sat.

[Stump Bumper]

John, I might try to get over there Monday (late afternoon) to Dover. I have to work this weekend or I would join you. Good luck and let us know how you do....Ray

[Stump Bumper]

John, if you and Alan wanted to link up and the three of us try for some Specks at Medard next Friday or Saturday late afternoon/evening/night, let me know. We could fish right off the bridge....Ray

[hushpuppy]

Hey, I think I have next Fri. and Sat. off.

[capt.kirk]

HEY BIG
I have been trying to get in touch with old stumper my self,I guess
what NANCY told me is true,he dont check his CELL PHONE MESSAGES.
we were thinking about coming down to TURKEY CREEK,this weekend,and
do a little BASS/CAT fishing.:D
KIRK

[big country]

kirk i will be free this evening after my wife gets off work at 4:00.....
just in you didn't know dover has some big ol' specks in it also......

[Wyndigo]

I'm working all weekend, as usual. But if you are at dover park on monday I may see you there :) and ya'll dont forget, I get a 10% discount at wally world, so if ya'll need a little discount for anything, let me know :)

Alan

[big country]

which one you work at alan cause i'm getting ready to go to walmart right now

[big country]

well just got back from dover and alans buddies were making a lot of racket with those boats so i had to fish the south end and only had two hits so i came up with a big zero for cats tonite....oh well thats why they call it fishing and not catching....lol

[Stump Bumper]

I have Monday and Tuesday off, and I plan on going over to Dover for a while tomorrow. Look's like the morning now instead of the afternoon. Lou McCaskill has to drive in from Tampa and didn't want to get caught in all that late afternoon traffic going home. Can't say as I blame him....Ray

[Wyndigo]

John I work at the walmart in valrico, next to home depot
have to be there today from 2-11, looks like that may be my schedule for awhile, only thing about the discount is that I have to buy the item.

Ray what time will you be out there tomorrow? I'll see if I can get away from the phone (my girlfriend likes to talk ALOT :rolleyes:) one of these days maybe all of us can meet up and do some fishing.

Alan

[Stump Bumper]

I'll be there around 9:30am with one of the guys from work, just look for my brown Chevy S-10....Ray

[big country]

alan i wish i knew that, i was there about 2:00 today and bought a penn 2600 series reel and coulda really used that discount on it....lol

[Wyndigo]

Ray I wont be there, my girlfriend will have me on the phone and I told my mom that I'd help her in the garden, gonna try to get out there tommorow afternoon/evening and with this cooler weather, maybe them ole cats will be Hungry :)

John Wish I had of known, would have used my discount card for you.
next time catch me beforehand so I can make it look like I'm paying for it :)

Alan

[big country]

thta ok alan my mom in law works at he one in bloomingdale i can always use her card...i was just razzin' ya...lol

[Wyndigo]

lol John I should have known :p but still, just let me know ahead of time and I'll do what I can to help anyone out, 10% is a lil extra in our pockets :D

Alan

[Stump Bumper]

Well, I just got back from Dover, the bite was real slow I only managed to catch two fish. The last channel cat I caught was a nice one probably around 5 pounds. I threw both fish back to be caught again another day....Ray

[big country]

that penn reel i posted about is a 220 gtl is anyone familiar with this reel????

[Wyndigo]

just got home myself from dover and yep it was slow, my cousin went with me and while he was there we had one little bump, after he left I caught 4 small ones (3 of those were snagged) I thought with the cooler weather they'd have been biting alot better

Alan

[blackpowderscout]

On the weekends you may want to try Dead River Group Camp. It's at the end of Dead River Road that cuts off to the left, off Hwy 301 about a mile south of the entrance of the Hillsborough River State Park. Good luck....Ray

This place is awesome. I used to have a friend in high school who lived on that road and we fished that park religiously. Great bream fishing and good catfish in some spots too. The biggest Gar I've ever seen and all most landed was in that stretch of the river.

I have fished Dover park a few times but that was years ago when it first opened. We never did much good. I guess it's really changed for the better.

Adam

[big country]

scout that bass in my avitar is from dead river.....

[Wyndigo]

I fished 4 and a half hours today at medard out in my bathtub err jon boat :D
caught one nice sized catfish, came home unloaded the boat then loaded my gear into the car and went down to the ballpark, lost one (felt small) and had a few bumps, thats it.
by the way, I'd say that specks are on bed at the ball park, could smell them.

Alan

[leesblue]

Hello everyone, I ordered a gallon of Danny King Punch Bait about 3 weeks before the Catfish Rodeo at Medard Park hoping to get it before the tournament. Well it did not come in, I received it the Monday after the tournament. My wife and I went out on Sunday to Medard Park to try the bait and boy, it's great. We have used Premo blood bait, livers, squid, shrimp, dead shiners and cut bait and have never caught so many fish or fish that big, out of there before. On Sunday it was cold, windy and rainy and I caught 5 fish and my wife caught 12.
I would recommend that bait to everone for channel cats.
No doubt if we had the bait for the tournament we would have one or at least placed.

[Stump Bumper]

Way to go Leesblue, sounds like ya'll had a great time! Hopefully the weather will hold out for this weekend and me and my grandson can get out there....Ray

[Stump Bumper]

Me and Steve Collier went over to Dover Park today and caught four real pretty Channel Cats all in the 3 to 4 pound range. All of our cats today were caught on dip worms and Sonny's Dip Bait (Blood). Steve really had his hands full as he was using light spinning tackle, more geared for bream fishing and these healthy Channel Cats really put up a great fight....Ray

[big country]

ray,i was thinking about going there this evening after work but when i got home i realized i was to tired....
good to here they are still in there....lol

[Stump Bumper]

John, I would like to go this weekend but have to work. If you want to link up to do some fishing next weekend let me know....Ray

[capt.kirk]

sounds like everyone is doing pretty good,RAYafter talking to you
while you were fishing,i went out back and caught 4 in about a half hour
all nice size,used that new bait like i gave you,then they just quit,give
it a try some time you may be suprised,top secert stuff we wouldnt want
to tell our friends about it WOULD WE????:p if they want to know they
will have to find out from BILL DANCE.
KIRK

[Stump Bumper]

That's the way it was over at Dover. When they turned on we caught the four Channel Cats in about 45 minutes then they just turned off? Every time I go fishing it's like going to school trying to learn what the fish are gonna do that day....Ray

[big country]

hey ray,
that sounds good maybe we can kill two birds with one i'm going to be fishing with katmaster jr on thurs or fri if we fish on fri we will be going to the skyway after i get off work,you are more than welcome to come if you can't make it we'll go out on the weekend......let me what you think...

[capt.kirk]

HEY BIG
how long is zakk going to be in the area??would like to meet up with
him,he knows more about fishing than any 15 year old i ever met,he
has more than most adults,sounds like a really nice kid.:cool:
KIRK

[capt.kirk]

HEY RAY,
i have one of those brain things going on,a light weight 4 point anchor
made from 2 inch pvc pipe,shouldnt be to heavy but able to dig in and
hold pretty good More about this latter.:cool:
KIRK

[big country]

kirk he is susposed to be here for about a week...

[capt.kirk]

HEY BIG
let me know when he gets here and how long he is staying,:)
KIRK

[big country]

kirk he has my phone number and is going to give me call when he is in town....
ray just in case you can get away i will be meeting a new member of the boc at dover park today around 4:30 hopefully i will be able to talk him into signing up with the wif family, so if you can get away meet us out there....

[Stump Bumper]

Hey BIG, I just got home from work a while ago, so I won't be able to make it today. A buddy of mine from work want's to go "shiner fishing for bass" on Friday at Dover so I'll be there by 6:30am to start catching up some shiners for a morning of fishing. I don't know if you have to work Friday but you along with Hushpuppy and Kirk are all welcome to join us. As you already know there are some monster largemouth bass at Dover because you're not allowed to keep them, so hopefully we will catch a few nice ones. Sorry I can't sound more excited about bass fishing but the bottom line for me is there are two types of fish.....Catfish and Bait....Ray

[big country]

well ray,
try not to bootleg one of them bigguns you catch outta there...hehehe
and i just got back from man it was real windy, cortnee caught one about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds and i caught 1 about a pound...
we met a newer member of the boc named dudley250 or something like that,can never keep the number part right..lol.. but any way i beleive he is fixxin' to join the wif family and is going to try and attend the fcc...
but yes i do have to work on friday so you guys have a good time and tear em' up....

[Stump Bumper]

Thanks John, I seem to remember that handle on the other site. Glad ya'll had a good time today. It seem's like it's getting a little chilly out there right now. I hope we are not in for anymore cold weather....Ray

[big country]

yeah it started to git a bit nippy especiialy in shorts and on the water...lol

[dudly2252000]

first of all i wanna say thanks for everything john, i really enjoyed fishing and talking with you today i ended the night with a nice 4-5lb channel and 2 nice speckled cats besides the 2 you gave me, just finished filleting them all, you can best believe i am gonna start hitting craigs list and the tampa trib to find a small boat so i can make the trip to wewa for the fcc you were telling me about, i can't wait to wrestle with flatties again... i hope i get a chance to meet the rest of the fellows here and gain some more knowledge. well you have a great night and thanks again.

[big country]

danen good to see you made it over,i'm sure you'll like it here as much as the other site,i hope you'll make this one of your regular haunts....

[Stump Bumper]

Hey Dudley 2252000, welcome to WIF. Anytime you plan on heading down our way let us know, one of us will be able to break away and go fishing....Ray

[Schoe]

Glad to see you have joined up with us and look foreward to seeing you at the Classic this fall. Schoe

[Stump Bumper]

I met John McDaniel over at Dover this morning. While I was busy trying to catch some Golden Shiners, John caught a two pound Channel Cat on a doeball while bream fishing....LOL....Ray

[dudly2252000]

1st of all how are all of you doing tonight!... thank you for the welcome!..i am gonna try the bypass canal wed. if no luck then its on to dover, gonna order the dk bait 2morrow john if you or any of the other guys wanna try it out that hasn't yet i'll be glad to share with ya! i resisted the temptation to try middle lake tonight, well fiance' wouldn't let me go. anyway you guys have a great night and thanks again for the warm welcome.

[dudly2252000]

oh and does anyone know where dk punch bait can be bought here in fl?, just curious, just thought i would ask before i buy online.

[big country]

damen you won't find it here you have to order it i'm going to try to get a couple bait to start carrying it when i get a chance to get over to one......good luck wed.

[Stump Bumper]

Hey Damen, I haven't seen it around here. They use it an awful lot in Arkansas. When I go out there this summer I'll bring some back....Ray

[Stump Bumper]

Hey everybody, me and Steve Collier went over to Dover Park yesterday and did some live shiner fishing for bass. We were able to catch some bass but also caught 3 real pretty channel cats on live shiners fished under cigar floats. The biggest would have weighed in at 6 or 7 pounds. Catching the bass was fun but bottom line, to me they are just flathead bait....LOL....Ray

[capt.kirk]

HEY EVERYBODY
Went fishing this morning with a neighbor,between 10:am and noon
we caught 6 black cats that weighed in at 31lb,caught them on
crawlers sprayed with YUM,fillets will be yum yum:cool:
KIRK

[dudly2252000]

hi capt. i was wondering what are black catfish?

[dudly2252000]

i tried the bypass canal over at veterans park it was so windy and current was so strong i didn't even get a bite...wasn't really sure where to fish over there....got skunked at dover..well i did catch two 6 inchers lol..i ordered a galloon of dkwith blooded added saturday, i hope it works cause i'm sure gonna have a lot of it lol...if i meet any of you guys on the water you are more than welcomed to try it as well i'll post it when it comes in. have a great day all!!!!

[capt.kirk]

DUDLEY
They look like bull heads,but get larger,they are jet black shading to
dark gray on the belly,i caught one a couple of years ago that was
a hair over 14lb,i live on brackish water and i have no idea what they
are really called,once in a while we will get some that are black and
silver mixed color,up north that is what we called marble heads,all i can
tell you for sure, they are some of the best eating cats that ive ever had.
KIRK

[Stump Bumper]

Well, I spoke with Big Country and Vince Pellett and John McDaniel and Big Country suggested that we meet over at Dover Park Saturday evening after work. I will email Vince and double check and make sure that's O.K. with him. How does 7pm sound to ya'll? Just look for my old brown Chevy S10 pick-up truck....Ray

[capt.kirk]

RAY how is the water level at turkey creek or have you been over there?
KIRK

[big country]

hey ray
that sounds fine i should be there with my brother in law around 5:30 or 6:00.... we should be there around the basketball court ..............

[Stump Bumper]

John, sounds good, I'll see you over there. I'm looking forward to meeting your brother-in-law also....Ray

Kirk, the water level at Turkey Creek is down a little but not really affected that much because it is fed by alot of underwater springs. You can bet that's where the bigguns are laid up right now....LOL....Ray

[big country]

hey ray
were can i find that sonnys dip bait, i have check all the bait shops around here and no luck.... even at moms b-n-t......she did have the small ones bit i was looking for the big jug.....lol

[big country]

well met ray out there and it was threating to rain on us but passed us up...
we were out there till about 9 o clock and niether one of us could catch a cold...lol, i guess thats why it's called fishing and not catching...but at least the the company and conversation was good.....and ain't that what fishing is really about?????:D

[wewamohawk]

you are right big thats what fishing is all about ray have lots of fun just being on the water and trying to get the biguns maurice

[Stump Bumper]

Just got a call from BIG COUNTRY who is over at Dover Park with his brother-in-law. They have three nice channel cats in the cooler and the bite is on! Dog-gone-it! I had to work overtime today so I missed the action. When BIG get's into them there ain't no telling what monster he might hook into before the nights over. Look's like his brother-in-law might want to go AGAIN real soon....Ray

[big country]

well we ended up with three nice ones that were filleted and released with the smallest abuot three pounds and the biggest about five pounds all caught on sonny's dip bait we also caught a fewc smaller ones that we turned back unharmed...
oh yeah ray i received no brandings today.....lol