Tried again.

[TimK]

Got out Tues evening, wind was brutal. Fished only for 'ski's - nada. The outing ended up resembling the Bears first game this year; motor broke, lost lure and I was a joke getting the boat back on the trailer at the ramp.

Worked the NMZ (I'm beginning to wonder about that place) and the deep trees. The trees ate one of my Super Raps (yup, got the Frabill retriever which got it out the first time but the second time the tree ate the thing and kept it).

I guess I'm a glutton for punishment because I can't wait to get out there again. Hopefully the wind won't be as bad. Figure I'll work the road bed and what's left of any weed lines to see what happens.

Go Cubs!

[NxtRecordholder]

It can get frustrating, that's for sure.

If it helps any, I've found the most action to be right at dawn and dusk. The times in between are usually slow. If you are fishing in the wind, fish the windblown shore as much as possible. It's tempting to find a bay out of the wind where you won't birdsnest and get a chapped face and runny nose, but the 'skis love that wind.

One day me and my boat partner were on shore trying to get a bbq grill lit in 30mph winds. It was so windy we couldn't do it. That didn't stop a guy about 50 yards off shore from landing a nice little musky in 2 to 3 foot whitecaps.

[Shabby]

Got out Tues evening, wind was brutal. Fished only for 'ski's - nada. The outing ended up resembling the Bears first game this year; motor broke, lost lure and I was a joke getting the boat back on the trailer at the ramp.

What broke? Anything I can help you fix?

Worked the NMZ (I'm beginning to wonder about that place) and the deep trees. The trees ate one of my Super Raps (yup, got the Frabill retriever which got it out the first time but the second time the tree ate the thing and kept it).

Remember what I told you the day we fished together? Snagmaster, there is no substitute (stole that line from Risky Business).

I guess I'm a glutton for punishment because I can't wait to get out there again. Hopefully the wind won't be as bad. Figure I'll work the road bed and what's left of any weed lines to see what happens.

Shabbona gets in your head, doesn't it? We need to take another boat ride together now while the water is low.

Go Cubs!

Ok, I'll jump on the band wagon. Go Cubs!!!

Snagmaster (Click here) (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0002084010285a&navAction=push&navCount=3&indexId=cat410004&podId=0002084&catalogCode=ID&parentId=cat410004&parentType=index&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.1_A&_DAV=&hasJS=true)

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It can get frustrating, that's for sure.

That's Shabbona!

If it helps any, I've found the most action to be right at dawn and dusk. The times in between are usually slow. If you are fishing in the wind, fish the windblown shore as much as possible. It's tempting to find a bay out of the wind where you won't birdsnest and get a chapped face and runny nose, but the 'skis love that wind.

We (Dad and I) fished Thursday from about noon till a little after 4. My first fish of the day was an 18" LMB about 20 minutes after we launched. Caught 3 more in the next hour (2 more over 14" and 1 dink around 12"). Last fish of the day came about 3:30 with a 19 1/2" that had to be 5#, give or take a 1/4#. Real thick. All released.
Don't leave the light gear at home!

One day me and my boat partner were on shore trying to get a bbq grill lit in 30mph winds. It was so windy we couldn't do it. That didn't stop a guy about 50 yards off shore from landing a nice little musky in 2 to 3 foot whitecaps.

Whitecaps?!?!? Those weren't whitecaps, they were wakes from the rental boats and people with 9.9's that run around all over the lake. We need a no-wake rule! :D ;) :eek:

NOT!

[TimK]

Shabby,

Thanks. Ended up the motor was just flooded - it still needs a tune-up real bad though; this winter it goes to the shop. Naturally it started on the first pull at home - DOH!

I got the Frabill, nice but wielding a 12' aluminum pole in a 10-15mph wind while trying to maintain boat position is......well lets just say there were many words spoken during that time that I can't put here. :) I may get that snagmaster for a backup and simply ease of use.

Another ride! You got it. Email me and let me know. I've got a morning reserved with Ron F on the 11th otherwise I'm fairly open. I think I may even be able to show YOU something this time.

You're right - it gets in your head. I know the lake has TONS and TONS of potential so my last few trips I've paid more attention to structure and the map to learn. It's not an excuse for no fish but I know more about the lake now than I did a month ago. When I find a lake, or any stretch of water, I like I beat on it until I crack it. This year was my first full year on Shab so I know I've got some learning; but I think next year (I now sound like all Chicago teams) will be much different.

Nxt -

Good point that I ignored at the time. When I pulled up to the deep trees the East bay was getting beat hard and I had a fleeting thought about the windward side of lakes - oh well for me. I was intent on fishing the trees and paid for it.

Visibility stinks in the lake right now and I'm sure the wind isn't helping it out.