Quote:
Originally Posted by Penner
There is no question the % of keepers being caught today is at a fraction as compare to when the size limit first increased a handful of years back. I know several local residents whom have fished all year and haven't been able to keep a single fish so far this year on the open water catching in instances over 50 a day. Often many fish into the low 70's very few get over 75 these days. Although I'm not out there as often as the locals, my own observations are the same.
I'll agree there may be slightly less boats on the water but I'll argue all day long that ice fishing pressure has certainly increased in recent years. A little easier for those without the fancy toys to get out on the ice and ice fish than it is to get out on the water with a boat.
If you are catching a keeper every ten fish I'll respectfully suggest that your likely just "eye balling" it.
She's been thinned out. I'm a C&R guy nevertheless when it comes to Lakers but it would be nice to catch the odd 20lber - 30lber like we were ~10 years ago.
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I get out and target the small bait balls with larger marks around it, get down to that depth and it increases the chance of larger fish.
If I want fun as in non stop action I find a large bait ball with many marks around it and bam double headers etc.
Patch has dried up and there is less pressure both summer and winter. Seen this first hand as I am from door to lake fishing under 20 minutes, always lurking around this lake....September will be better as all are working, kids in school etc.
If you want to start hitting bigger fish more often try my technique, small isolated bait balls with few larger marks....just a suggestion.
Good luck.