This is my first post, so please bare with me as I learn the protocols. I spent some time on Saturday reading through other's posts and decided to hit up Skokie Lagoons on Sunday. This happens to be my first time freshwater fishing in Illinois. I moved out here from LA 2 years ago, where I was an avid saltwater angler, but never was much of a freshwater angler. I only get to fish the Pacific twice a year now, so I needed to find an alternative way to get my fishing kicks.
Enough of me. I wanted to give my first report from Sunday:
Started at 11AM or so at Lagoon 6 after stopping at Ed Shirley's for some nightcrawlers and tackle. Fished crankbait, spinner bait and even Senkos for awhile. Had another setup for the crawlers, but no luck. I fished Lagoons 4 and 5 (I think), but no luck there either. Eventually, I ended up at the Tower Dam. Saw one person catch a small crappie on a bamboo pole and the guy next to me landed a 10" smallmouth on a crawler using a bobber. I fished to 4:30PM and had to call it quits.
I realize I probably went during the worst time of the day, but I was just glad to be out there casting a line. I also read in another thread that the senkos can also be effective without any weight. I used a split shot, but will try without it the next time out. I noticed that the water level was very high - boat ramp was completely covered. No weed yet, but a lot of debris.
I work nearby, so I'm thinking of hitting up the Lagoon early in the morning before work. Good luck to all. Can't belive Spring is finally here!
Enough of me. I wanted to give my first report from Sunday:
Started at 11AM or so at Lagoon 6 after stopping at Ed Shirley's for some nightcrawlers and tackle. Fished crankbait, spinner bait and even Senkos for awhile. Had another setup for the crawlers, but no luck. I fished Lagoons 4 and 5 (I think), but no luck there either. Eventually, I ended up at the Tower Dam. Saw one person catch a small crappie on a bamboo pole and the guy next to me landed a 10" smallmouth on a crawler using a bobber. I fished to 4:30PM and had to call it quits.
I realize I probably went during the worst time of the day, but I was just glad to be out there casting a line. I also read in another thread that the senkos can also be effective without any weight. I used a split shot, but will try without it the next time out. I noticed that the water level was very high - boat ramp was completely covered. No weed yet, but a lot of debris.
I work nearby, so I'm thinking of hitting up the Lagoon early in the morning before work. Good luck to all. Can't belive Spring is finally here!
