Horny Toads in the lily pads

For years I just pretty much quit fishing in the middle of the summer,
but I have been seeing some photos of some nice bass coming from the
lily pads on a lake within about a 30 minute drive of my home here in
Tallahassee.

Most of my fishing is done on a lake with minimal cover, so I normally
use 10 or 12 pound Trilene XL with no problems. I figured that
wouldn't work in the heavy cover, so I spooled up one of my old
Ambassadeur 5000s with some 40 pound Power Pro. Thanks to Bob Lalonde
for the guidance on using it and kudos to Power Pro for the booklet
included in the package. Come to think of, kudos to Power Pro for the
packaging that made loading the line on the reel much easier.

I had a collection of Zoom Horny Toads and screw in hooks that I had
never had much occasion to use, so I figured I was set. I went out
Saturday morning right at daylight and caught five bass between
daylight and 10 am. I also caught an 18" long chain pickerel, locally
know as a jack fish. I wouldn't necessarily target pickerel, but they
sure are fun when they attack a bait.

I was a little bit concerned that I would have trouble hooking the
fish since the hooks I had were only 2/0, but my hook-up ratio was
good. My only problem was that I was constantly getting the bait hung
up in the notch of the lily pad. Anyone have any thoughts on how to
handle that?

"Olebiker" wrote in message SNIP

I was a little bit concerned that I would have trouble hooking the
fish since the hooks I had were only 2/0, but my hook-up ratio was
good. My only problem was that I was constantly getting the bait hung
up in the notch of the lily pad. Anyone have any thoughts on how to
handle that?


When I'm fishing frogs in the pads, I shorten up my casts quite a bit and
fish with the rod tip high. This keeps the nose of the lure up and helps
reduce the hang-ups. Another thing you can do is with your rod top, steer
the lure away from the notches.

But it is the nature of the beast when fishing pads.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

Agree with Steve Biker. A high rod tip is best for avoiding that hang up.
And I love long casts. I know it's more difficult, but I think the longer
the better because those fish seem so darn unaware of the boats presence and
the noise that naturally accompany it. I know I miss a few on those long
casts, but seems to me I get more hits. Good luck a have fun. I also think
the swimmin or buzz frogs work really well because you can let them drop
down into holes on the way home. Will be posting some pix of results at
Percy Priest and The "Secret River" in the U.P. soon. Used Froggies quite a
bit.

--
God Bless America

Josh The Bad Bear

On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:53:58 -0700, Olebiker wrote:

For years I just pretty much quit fishing in the middle of the summer,
but I have been seeing some photos of some nice bass coming from the
lily pads on a lake within about a 30 minute drive of my home here in
Tallahassee.

Most of my fishing is done on a lake with minimal cover, so I normally
use 10 or 12 pound Trilene XL with no problems. I figured that
wouldn't work in the heavy cover, so I spooled up one of my old
Ambassadeur 5000s with some 40 pound Power Pro. Thanks to Bob Lalonde
for the guidance on using it and kudos to Power Pro for the booklet
included in the package. Come to think of, kudos to Power Pro for the
packaging that made loading the line on the reel much easier.

I had a collection of Zoom Horny Toads and screw in hooks that I had
never had much occasion to use, so I figured I was set. I went out
Saturday morning right at daylight and caught five bass between
daylight and 10 am. I also caught an 18" long chain pickerel, locally
know as a jack fish. I wouldn't necessarily target pickerel, but they
sure are fun when they attack a bait.

I was a little bit concerned that I would have trouble hooking the
fish since the hooks I had were only 2/0, but my hook-up ratio was
good. My only problem was that I was constantly getting the bait hung
up in the notch of the lily pad. Anyone have any thoughts on how to
handle that?


I just shake the rod tip till it comes loose or I let it sink and pop
it over.

Dan

-

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1996 HD Sportster 1200S. N9JBF. Bass fishing Aficionado!
www.outdoorfrontiers.com www.SecretWeaponLures.com
A proud charter member of "PETAF", People for Eating Tasty Animals and Fish!!!

Josh, next time you're down this way let's run over to Old Hickory. There
are a some willow grass beds, hydrilla, and lily pad coves where you can
show me how to fish a toad.

Joe
-----------
"Joshuall" wrote in message
. ..
Agree with Steve Biker. A high rod tip is best for avoiding that hang up.
And I love long casts. I know it's more difficult, but I think the longer
the better because those fish seem so darn unaware of the boats presence and
the noise that naturally accompany it. I know I miss a few on those long
casts, but seems to me I get more hits. Good luck a have fun. I also think
the swimmin or buzz frogs work really well because you can let them drop
down into holes on the way home. Will be posting some pix of results at
Percy Priest and The "Secret River" in the U.P. soon. Used Froggies quite a
bit.

--
God Bless America

Josh The Bad Bear