Official Fishing Thread

Not to brag, but caught this bad boy out of my own pond with my big toe a couple of years ago. The ER doc said he had seen bigger catches, but I'm pretty sure he was just jealous.

20250218_101003.jpg
 
Went to a local park to fish last weekend and came across a one-armed angler fishing from the bank. His technique was rather refined as he casted his lure, tucked the rod handle under his arm pit and cranked the reel with his good side. He was a friendly sort so I thought I'd engage him in conversation. I said "you look like you have that down pat, are you having any luck?" He replied "No, but last weekend I caught one (as he extended his good arm in front of him) that long!" :) :)
 
Annual reminder you are welcome to come fish at my ponds - bass, crappie, bluegill and even catfish.

Even have a new deck/dock by the lower pond to fish off of if you don't want to go off the shore.

All I ask is you give me a heads up. That way if I out of town racing I can let my wife know so she isn't freaking out that someone is coming down our driveway.
 
Want/need to get out more. I enjoy fly fishing/trout around NE Iowa as well.

A big myth is when people ask if I'm fishing for trout with a fly rod when I'm clearly in warm water/game fish territory.

When the Wapsi and Maquoketa settle down this is a great time to find smallies with something buggy/minnowy.

I think Indian Creek through Marion can also be fun for smallmouth in the right conditions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: wxman1
A big myth is when people ask if I'm fishing for trout with a fly rod when I'm clearly in warm water/game fish territory.

When the Wapsi and Maquoketa settle down this is a great time to find smallies with something buggy/minnowy.

I think Indian Creek through Marion can also be fun for smallmouth in the right conditions.
My son just caught one last week right under the 8th Ave bridge!
 
  • Like
Reactions: madguy30
Get out there with a short leader and some marabou and have at it!
Probably will go practice the fly at Prairie Creek before heading to streams again. The girls enjoy it at least for a little bit as well so will probably get them out some as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: madguy30
My 13 yr old has really become passionate about getting out this summer. We are in Ankeny, and he hits the local ponds pretty hard and actually has some success due to his patience.

I'm usually too dismissive about wanting to go with him (he is still asking to go every 90+ degree day). The kid has drive though. He has practices that will go until about 8 at night, and when I pick him up he still asks if I want to go out. I finally gave in last night. The kid pulled in a nice bass and a huge bluegill out of one of the small park ponds. I didn't even get a bite. Ha, that was karma!
 
  • Like
Reactions: wxman1
Annual reminder you are welcome to come fish at my ponds - bass, crappie, bluegill and even catfish.

Even have a new deck/dock by the lower pond to fish off of if you don't want to go off the shore.

All I ask is you give me a heads up. That way if I out of town racing I can let my wife know so she isn't freaking out that someone is coming down our driveway.
You mind sharing your approximate location? I like getting my son out whenever possible around central Iowa/ankeny area.
 
A big myth is when people ask if I'm fishing for trout with a fly rod when I'm clearly in warm water/game fish territory.

When the Wapsi and Maquoketa settle down this is a great time to find smallies with something buggy/minnowy.

I think Indian Creek through Marion can also be fun for smallmouth in the right conditions.
When I was young, a buddy and I would wade up and down Indian creek fishing around the Linn mar area. When we got older, we still did but hit the Wapsy just under the roller damn in central city a ton.