Shockingly, zero! There was a moment when the fish surfaced that the three of us on board froze. Three jaws hitting the boat floor simultaneously lol.

I normally run mh channel rods or a mh graphite Muskie stick … Felt stupid and figured I’d try to get a smaller one on the tiny rod, of course I’d get a pb on it haha. 61×25

My biggest from the croix this year also happened to come on the smallest rod I’ve ever used for them, a medium action quantum bass rod lol.

Lol at GPS coords. Sturgeon are so easy to fish for, you may as well call them channel cats Chuck out bait, catch fish. Nice one Jake.

Haha … Just a little poking and prodding old timer With talk like that I may have to start fishing for channels down here … I gave them a solid weekend of effort. In all seriousness .. I’d expect to see a few near 170, once those big females start to play. Lots of biggies in the Croix too! It’s anyone’s game … Go get em!

Y’all are gonna need some fish larger than 30″ to stand a chance A few 34″+ and then we’ll talk.

Wow … Pre spawn female still?!?

Octopus circle are not a true circle design, they’re a hybrid of both types. The offset shank and wide gap allow you the option of setting the hook in a traditional sense (which I almost always do while running live), while still maintaining the self-setting function of a true circle while tight lining.

After years of experimenting with different hooks and different sizes, I almost exclusively use octopus circle hooks. I use 8/0-10/0 for live bait rigs for flathead, 3/0-7/0 for cut bait for channels and sturgeon. I even use them for live bait rigs while pike fishing … Tip ups and under floats. They’re very versatile, and they work for me.

Sweet … I’m itching to get back to the red. Do you see venture north? Big fish territory the further downriver you travel.

You look like you have miles of room. Sweet boat

What kind of boat are you on? I thought I spied the words “jet drive” somewhere ….

Lol … I think Brad’s expression says it all … Us cat guys on boat his boat were disgusted when that ugly hunk of bait stole his cut bait, and Caleb (guy in the back), who is a walleye guy, was way too excited. Well convert him eventually.

When brad hooked into that white tip, he thought he just had a clump of sticks caught on his line … We were sorely disappointed when it turned into a 31″ walleye. Lol

He did immediately hook into a 35×22 channel, so that made up for it

Good times on the red last weekend!

And a few unexpecteds …

Thanks folks! The plaque is hung in my living room, the letters on my fridge along with some artwork by my nephew. Haha – hopefully soon ill have a mount next to the plaque. Tight lines guys!

Have fun! They’re easy once you tear into them … Lots of small parts though so be careful. Next time I rip mine apart ill post a how-to with pictures for anyone who wants to DIY.

No plastic gears inside my 6600c4 … That being said, I use my 7000’s pretty heavily for flathead fishing.

Nope, no plastic gears in them either.

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I think what the good Dr is trying to imply is that James and Perch (of Perch’s Highly Intoxicated Guide Service) would be good beer buddies and film a totally awesome show together ’cause Perch never gets skunked…unlike some other reputable guides.

I think.

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Lol!

There is an unofficial c&r record for channels and flats … Not DNr sanctioned, but ya gotta start somewhere.

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Theres an operation out of Hastings that could guide him…..It would be a night of fishing he’d never forget! (or remember) depending on how involved he’s willing to be…. The Guide consistently puts fish in the boat, even when some don’t….

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Lol. When’s the invitational?

The one we use is the HT micro bite indicator.

Go to Fleet Farm NOW (before ice fishing supplies are put away) and get yourself a tipup alarm. They sell one that is activated by a line out sensor and has a bright red light and a very loud alarm on it. Buy it, clip it to the end of your rod, and put a small bit of line through it. A fish will pull it out and trigger the alarm. We use them when bank fishing and bs-ing around fires. They work great and cost $7

Welcome to the Internet. If its publicly accessible sans a copyright disclaimer, its fair game. Lol

I’m going to have to try that chowder. I’m still wanting to try Doug Stange’s catfish jambalaya recipe from his book.

I seriously hope he’s swimming! That’s a state record in the making. Congrats on a true cheannel of a lifetime!

Holy cow! That’s a sumo. Where the heck is that? Did you get any measurements?

Color me ignorant, but what does a guy do with a huge snapper? I’ve always heard “turtle soup”, but … Please explain lol

Fun time open water cattin’ tonight. Cannot believe how fat the chans are … They’ve been gorging all winter!!

Bonus mudpuppy on shad … First for me!

My buddy had a good time … I forsee a converted walleye to cat guy in the making!

Among my other baitcasters, I have an okuma classic clx300l. Not a bad deal for like 35 shipped. Handled sturgeon this fall with no issues.

Probably 3 more weeks. Can’t wait

I checked the tc site (thanks for an easy click in your sig Brian) and like the warranty they offer. Perhaps ill have to save a few nickels and dimes and scoop one of these rods up. I was entertaining the idea of building a custom … But I’m pretty lazy, and pretty busy fishing … So maybe the high standard would be a good compromise lol.