January Shore Fishing Downtown Fort

Went fishing after work this afternoon. In one and a half hours I caught one 13″ and one 15″ eye. All still swimming.I talked to several other anglers fishing today with alot of them catching short ones with a keeper now and then.
WeFish

Gonna take a ride to Fort and try it in about 30 minutes. I’ll let you fella’s know how I did. Just wish the wind would let up a little.

I tried it a little bit myself this past weekend to help me recover from my shoulder surgery but after about a dozen casts I missed the water and threw my favorite jig and twister tail in a tree and called it a day. We Fish, what kind of bait or rig have you been using? I’m thinking I should try a 3-way with a live or Gulp! minnow so I can save the arm and maybe some jigs. It sure has been nice out lately so I’m hoping to hit the shores again soon.

Databoy,
I have been useing a 4″ Ringworm-Firecracker and a 1/4 ounce Orange Chartreuse precision jig by B Fish N Tackle. Current is moving right along where I fish. Otherwise I use a 3/16. My other backup is a pink/white jig head and a green gold sparkly twister tail.Went fishing tonight and only one hit and a miss. Plan on going after work tomorrow again.
WeFish

Ended up staying home, BUT I’m going today. Anyone seen or heard from BOLA…?

Tried it along Rock River Road, off the wall along Hwy 106, and at the river bend. Not a bite. Water lever was up since the last time I was there.

Hard water,

If ya ever get bored with the Rock you should try for Steelies in the Rivers. Shorter drive and a lotta fun if ya get into them. Trying to get out again tomorrow morning since I went 0 for 6 in an hour yesterday.

WeFish, thanks for the tip. That got me thinking I should stick to what’s worked for me from shore the last couple of years which is a 1/8 oz Lindy Max Gap jig with a chartreuse Lindy Munchie. I got out for about an hour before dark today near Patten’s and got a couple bites and one short walleye. I’m hoping to give it another try tomorrow but may have to try the wall near Patrick’s old liquor store so my 4 year old can play at the park. He thinks he wants to fish too but I think the toys may win out. I might have to shop first though cuz shore fishing is tough on the tackle, I’m down to just one jig and one munchie left!

Databoy, Your welcome.
I had to reload My aresonal Myself,I wanted to go this morning but I could’nt get Myself motivated. Plan on being down on the wall early AM same area.

WeFish

Hard water I’m still around just stay low. Nice picture. Those were the days.

Diesel….I hear ya. I like to get away because I work for the city and I have to live in it. Been making the trip to Fort and Jefferson since the mid-eighties. Unfortunately I didn’t catch one keeper in 8 trips this year. First time that has happened.

Jeff, good to see your still around. Definately this Spring, if your willing.

You got it buddy. Hope to have a new rig by then.

Yeah it has been a tuff year. Especially since our fearless leader Jeff has been playing hooky and working too hard

Looking forward to the fishing this year

Whadaya say Z-man?

Not me….New Year’s resolution was to sell the boat, give away all my rods and tackle, and try to figure out how I could work a lot more. But, you know how resolutions go….broke it within minutes into the New Year, and pulled out my Cabelas catalogue, to figure out how to spend my gift certificate to replace some worn or broken gear.
As far as I’m concerned, open water all winter would be great, but we all know that won’t happen, so gonna be hitting work and home-front tasks real hard the next few weeks, and hopefully fish my brains out in the spring.

I thought I’d give it a try around ten am this morning,this time last year We were having a blast shore fishing. Weather was a tad better back then todays temp was around 22 degrees rather nice though,the water levels is way down and water clearity was around three feet.
WeFish

WeFish:

Are you dealing with skim ice now???

Mark

I think he’s dealing with more than skim ice.

Bola:

But is dealing with it, or is he making a hole and taking control???

Mark

Maybe need to change the title to february shore fishing,with this warm weather,wont be long,did well in dec,and jan ,looking forward to breakin out the gear

Thanks for the report. Welcome aboard River-bank