come on guys, I need my fishing forum fix for the day! I’m stuck down here in Hilton Head wondering how the Croix is doing today. I’m scheduled to be back late tonight and hope to hit the water tomorrow. Anyone out today, please provide a quick update on the action!
I haven’t yet hit into any crappie action on the Croix (although I haven’t really targeted them either). Are you working the Stillwater area or some of the backwater areas north of Stillwater? I was considering putting in at the Somerset launch (across from Marine-on-St Croix) and checking out that stretch for a bit but never followed through.
under the stillwater bridge, and south of the bridge on wiscony side.
I’ve heard that was a pretty good crappie spot… haven’t tried it yet this year. I’ve focused on the area between Hudson and Afton this summer. If I get out and can’t hook into some ‘eyes, I may just head north and see if I can grab some crappies. I think crappie is at least equal to ‘eyes, gastronimically (sp?) speaking 
So much for that location/bite…… 
so you think there will now be 30 boats bumping into each other at that spot? 
To post an exact spot on the internet is to loose that spot to the masses.
agreed… I’d never post a ‘private spot’ that I’ve discovered. 
On the other hand, the spot mentioned above is relatively obvious to anyone fishing in that area, assuming the ‘novice’ is observant and notices that other fishermen are working that area. There are several locations between Stillwater and Prescott that are pretty much common knowledge ‘community centers’ that can be ‘discovered’ by simply looking for areas that other people are fishing. Just knowing the spot is only part of the art, you still have to be able to get them to bite the hook (as I’ve learned through many frustrated attempts at catching fish out there 
).
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To post an exact spot on the internet is to loose that spot to the masses.
Didn’t know there was a dibs system on the croix…
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So much for that location/bite……
no other boats out there not even mine. and the location was kinda open if you ask me.
Good gravy… That is a pretty well known spot I’d say. Now if I start seeing GPS coordinates.. That would help my fishin’ experience a whole lot…yepper!
Have fun guys…keep it upbeat…and good fishin’!!!
Tuna 
when I can get to download them off my GPS, I’ll post coordinates for a spot with nearly unlimited walleyes. I’ve never been shut out from this spot… And there are several other types of excellent ‘eater’ fish in the exact same area (as well as several varieties of crustaceans!)
you don’t even need a boat or fishing gear for that matter . (Until I can get the coordinates posted, you exit off of I-94 at Exit 2. Head north a short distance, take the first right turn. Then, take the first left followed by a quick right. Find a place to park, go through a set of automatic doors, …
Anyone to guess correctly will get an actual set of real coordinates
County Market?
You Got It!!!! 
Funny guys. Your all on my “no PM” list.
Jez, will you guys stop picking on my bud Suzuki!?
He’s put me on more fish than I care to imagine in the last 3 years…and one hell of a catfish spot!
Opps…I wasn’t to talk in public about that!
Sorry Mike! 
There’s always two schools of thought on posting fishing locations. Neither one is right or wrong…except to the person that believes in the other.
I have posted a hot bite on the croix and have seen the area become crowded with boats (although many didn’t catch anything). Some people will say that it decreased there fishing enjoyment…while others will say they had a better time with the more boats out.
A person would think with as many HotSpots maps that have been sold the spot mentioned above would have boats on it all year long…but the fact is, it sees relativly few. Posting locations on the net will increase the traffic to that area some…to what degree is really a matter of your definition of…crowded.
By the way, I made a post once that said “the Afton area” and my fishing buddy that took me there…hasn’t fished with me since because I gave away HIS spot.
For ME,(not to be confused with what you should/shouldn’t do) I watch what’s in the background of my pictures as to not give away the exact location and I still say “the Afton area”. ‘Cause even if they see me, that doesn’t mean they will catch fish…or that I’m even catching fish! 
Over the last 4 years, the best bites and my biggest fish have all started with a PM. 
Mike, don’t take me off of your PM list!
darn, I hate this computer stuff… Just finished typing a lengthy exposition on hot spots and techniques and I hit the wrong key… GONE! Now I have to start all over!!!!
Suzuki, please take a deep breath and realize that we’re giving you a friendly hard-time regarding your attitude to a well-known “hot spot” for crappies. I’ve only been on the river for two years and this was the first location I learned about from reading posts on this forum. I doubt there’s anyone out there that has visited this website that hasn’t read about the crappie bite at the bridge. I’ve exchanged a few PMs with you in the past and have always held you in high esteem – your experience on the Croix and your friendly, helpful attitude has always been very appreciated. Some day, I hope to share a boat with you and share a few beers… You’re one of the “Good Guys” on this site…
As Brian said, there’s two schools of thought regarding ‘spots’. My perspective is that the ‘spot’ is only part of the equation. You still need to know technique in order to catch fish. I’ve enjoyed being on a spot and watching other pull them up right and left while I couldn’t buy a bite and I’ve enjoyed pulling them up while others around me were frustrated. I have no problem sharing a spot with others and then sharing technique. there’s nothing like the friendships that can develop by working together, teaching each other, and ultimately leading to a better day for both parties.
So Suzuki, your call as to whether you put me on your “no-PM” list… either way, you’ll be on my Buddy List…
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You’re one of the “Good Guys” on this site…
Where the ‘ell are my hip boots!
I think you have a winner there King! You work on the map and I’ll tail pipe the double bubble Crestliner around making notes.
We can market it at Jimmy’s bait shop!
Hey BK, I really do think you’re on to something there… how about a “hotspot” map that shows and discusses the local favorite spots that sell quality fish, maybe even include a review of regional Friday Night FishFry’s? I think that would be a hoot and, who knows, we might even sell a few copies…
it’s been my experience that the more you fish and fall in love with the ‘Croix you’ll be less apt to talk about spots/locations on the internet. community or not.
just my .02 and Suzuki don’t block PM’s from me, eh?
I know where you’re coming from brother.
I hope I’m not going to be sorry that I hijacked this thread…but here goes.
(Disclaimer: this post has nothing to do with the posts above, it’s from my experiances over the last 4 years.)
Why is it that the St Croix River has this fog surrounding it? More so that other rivers? I understand that fisherman don’t want to play bumper boats, but the only time I’ve seen it even come close is opener in the Hudson and Kinni narrows…and it certianly wasn’t bumper boats then.
Pool 4 for example. Vertical jigging a 1/4 oz H20 jig head unpainted or black with a firecracker/chartrues tail ringworm has been working awesomely….for some…
In fact there are the fisherman that just pound the sauger and eyes with whatever they are using. Then there’s the Joe that find something that works decent for him and gets a few fish…maybe a limit….then there’s me. I’m fishing right next to Vandi. He’s using two rods and my mouth is on the floor with the fish he’s pulling in…I have the same bait, jigging the same way…and not even a nibble. I go home fishless.
So I’m thinking that it’s not that the Croix fisherman that are concerned about the fishery…it’s more of a concern about being the only boat in the area?? That’s a question.
Please be nice to me in your replies, after all it’s just a question. 
not 100% sure of what you’re asking… but here’s my $0.02 anyway…
Many times I enjoy fishing an area with other boats in the nearby vicinity. I enjoy watching others in the area, observing their techniques and looking for differences in their techniques to mine. I also enjoy chatting with them, if the boats are close enough together. Mostly, I use these occasions as a learning opportunity as I’m still pretty much a novice on the Croix but I have had a few opportunities to help out someone else – letting them know the presentation technique working for me or the exact depth of a bite. I find it quite satisfying when, on the rare occasion it actually happens, I can help someone else struggling out there to put a fish or two into their boat.
On other occasions, I enjoy being alone in a particular area, whether I’m catching fish or not – those are my ‘solitude’ times when I use fishing as a means of getting away from everyday stress and spending time contemplating life.
I do get annoyed when I want to fish a particular spot that I found to be active at a prior excursion and find other boats parked right over my GPS coordinates but really the response needs to be “Oh Well…, guess I need to find another spot”. The river belongs to anyone that wants to be out there and they have just as much a right to be on that spot as I do… As you stated, just being on the right spot doesn’t mean you’re going to catch fish – I’ve found, by many frustrating days out there, that the only way you’ll catch fish is when you have the right technique mastered (of course, you DO need to be at the right location).
I agree you you King…..
I am still very novice out there but enjoyed fishing sturgeon out there where we could watch others cathing fish and other times like when Bob and I got away from the crowd and for the most part it was quiet….including the bites. No matter what happens if you are not the only boat out there the chances are good that someone is being stupid. (in your mind)
I own a runabout because that is what I was offered for a good deal. Many times I have been given dirty looks just for being out there. I try my best not to throw a wake too close to anyone. I have made my mistakes and most often I feel bad.
My point to rambling is everybody has their own percetion of what is rude and what is acceptable. I try to stay calm and safe. I have found I am much happier if I let it fly right by me and in my thoughts wave with one finger and let that be the end of it!
Stay safe and have a good weekend all!
I agree with Brian and the fog. Sometimes it is nice, especially if I haven’t been out for awhile to find out where people are having some luck. I do not mind sharing a spot or technique with someone. To me it just seems a little more friendly. I do however have an issue with the people who look at you after you have said hi, who look at you as though you have just spoken some foreign language. I enjoy seeing and yes talking to others will I am fishing. I will not however share a spot someone has asked me not to. To all of you out there we have a white triton whith a white etec and if I have clients or not please stop on by and say hi 
The croix seems to have a tight bell curve as far as fishing goes. Some folks are open with spots and some protective. Myself, I’m more on the republican side.
Sorry to make this one longer but this is a good post!!! The best help you can give sometimes is depth, related structure and presentation! If you want to help. Half the battle is learning the fish you seek and putting your time in doing it. It can be the most rewarding part most the time. Like said there are the usuall areas and they wont be hard to find but other areas people have put alot of time into finding. Thats where you want to be carefull…. Pictures and posting on the open net can put a few extra boats there. It may not bother you but some others that fish it may. And they might have put alot of time into finding that bite. PM’s work best when in doubt.
Everyone I have met here at IDA are great people and helping and sharing is what its all about. But you also have to remember that lots of people view that dont regester on. Potental damage can be done pretty easy some times. I dont think here but its always something to think about!
good post ratherb. the ‘Croix simply won’t handle the pressure that Pool 4 can handle. the was a post about the sauger spot just a little north of Beanies. my gosh there were 10 to 15 boats on that spot everyday for a week after that. if you want to share a specific spot with your buddy do it via PM or over the phone.
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if you want to share a specific spot with your buddy do it via PM or over the phone.
THAT’s IT!
It came to me last night…sorry I’m slow!
In thinking back…not too far, there’s more info passed to friends via pm in this forum than (I think) in others.
SteveO, I didn’t mean to imply that the Croix and Pool 4 could be compaired as a fishery…it was more about angler success…as it’s really noticable at p4.
P4 has a ton of fishing boats this time of year, our little Croix has cruisers most of the year…it’s kind nice the traffics down.
Anyone know what kind of boat Suzuki drives…I need to follow him. 
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