Flatheads and More

[Schoe]

Last week Rainman and Colbyjack, two of our members, wanted to try bank pole fishing, so we put out a Doz. poles that I had cut earlier in the week. The first night we baited with live Bluegills and had 3 nice Flatheads from 4 to 17 lbs. the next morning. Baited again that night and came up with 3 more from 8lbs to mid 40's. Baited the third time and only came up with two fish a 2 and 1/2 Lbr and a 50 lb. plus which really made everyones day. Now our goal is a 60 lbr. or better which I know are out there

The next morning we had only one Flat about 3 lbs. but had an added bonus of a 20 some lb. Snapping turtle on a bank pole then we were pole fishing in a slough area for Channel Cats and threw out a few Jugs with meat scraps for turtles and caught another Snapper over 20 lbs.
We caught two nice Channels on our poles while in the slough area, so it turned out to be a fairly productive few days for us.

Heres some pictures, Schoe


RainMan and ColbyJack with 50 lb flathead
http://www.whereifish.com/gallery/data/500/medium/July_21_pics_06_146.jpg

RainMan with snapping turtles
http://www.whereifish.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Turtles_and_more_July_026.jpg

Me with 47 lb flathead
http://www.whereifish.com/gallery/data/500/medium/July_21_pics_06_120.jpg

[gofish]

fine mess ya got there guys.got enough for one heck of a fish fry

[Schoe]

Well I made a lot of nuggets for future fish Fry's and canned some which makes great fish patties or just plain good on a cracker with cheese during those boring winter months. I am going to make some fish chowder with some Flathead nuggets and will let you know how it turns out.

I baited the bank poles up again tonight along with a doz. Turtle baits in the backwater. We will see how that goes in the morning. Schoe

[big country]

some nice flatheads schoe......

[Illinoisgiller]

Good work fellas. Now those are some nice fish!!!! Now I know why the river went down. lol Mike

[Soupy_1us]

This makes me sick.......'cause nobody ask me to go..

Nice work guys !!!:D Now I'm gonna go cut me some trees... Later

[nosnag]

Very nice catch.A lot of good eating there.Hope you find that 60+ in the near future.
BILL

[Tee]

fdon't ya just hate how some folks like to show off????????? :p
Way to go, make us ALL jealous!

[Schoe]

No Flatheads this morning and most of the bluegills were still on the hooks. There was one 5# Channel Cat that hit a live bluegill though. We also checked 11 turtle boards we had out baited with some freezer burned wild rabbit meat. Two Channels and three big Dogfish, must have been Beagle Dogfish, LOL

[Rainman4u2]

That there is an experiance I will never forget. Those turtles were a royal pain to pull out of the water, and Schoe had to show this novice how it was done. Thanks again Schoe and Colbyjack for a fun morning, and I can't wait to do it again.

Ray

[Pegleg]

Schoe, Did yah keep the Dogfish? We call em Mudfish down here. Their some good eatin.
Pegleg

[Schoe]

Pegleg , no I didn't keep them but I should have. I have heard all kinds of stories about Dogfish ( Bow-fin, Grinnel ) and how to make them edible but have never taken the time to do so.

If you have kept and eaten any please advise us on any special procedures prior to cooking. Schoe

[Pegleg]

Schoe, I fix Mudfish just like catfish. Fillet them and fry em up or blacken them. Lots of people say the meat has the texture of cotton. I can't figure why this rumor got started. The fool that started that must have been a lousy cook. I eat them and Gar all the time. Rather eat them than Bass.

[Schoe]

Pegleg, "Blackened Bowfin", sounds kinda catchy, I will try them and let you know how they turn out as I am sure we will get more this week.
Going to clean Turtles tomorrow and get the new "HOW TO" with pictures up again, thanks for your patience. Schoe

[Pegleg]

I found a site with a pictorial on cleanin turtles the other day. I tryed to copy it but he has a copyright deal on it. Cleaning a turtle (http://www.gutpilestyle.com/ForumSMF/index.php?topic=1967.msg11512#msg11512)

[gofish]

i agree with pegleg,theys good eatin we used to cook em in foil on a fire too.

[bamabass]

them r some nice cats. i have been in school this summer and august 7th is my last day and i have been thinken about doin some bank pole fishen when i get out and see if i can have any luck. have about 4 reports to turn in before this semester is out so dont have time right now...but next semester is my last one and i will be graduating before Christmas

[Screen]

Boy! And I am just an hour away! Great job guys!!! Can't wait for Shoe to have another fry!

Ray- That should make a GREAT profile picture!!! What did Pam say?

Colbyjack - That smile still on your face?

[Rainman4u2]

It will make a great pic, if I can ever get the Blessed thing re-sized!!! Pam was amazed when she saw it, and the people at work wanted to hear the story after one of our "visitors" to WIF had printed it off and brought it in.

Ray

[Stump Bumper]

Sound's like a good time was had by all! Thank's for sharing the info and pics with us....Ray