[whompuscat658]

I fished chatfield by myself tonight. (Now it's actually morning but whatever.) I caught a smallmouth on my new clackin rap. After getting it stuck and barely getting it back, I switched over to one of the Storm 3" wild swim shad that I just picked up. I hooked six walleye and landed two. Got em all on a straight and steady retrieve. This was the first time I tried the storm shad and I love them. I usually use rapalas there and inevitably get them stuck. It sucks when you lose one or more ten dollar lures in a night. The storm shad are like three bucks for three and are easy to get unstuck since the hook is in top. I'm going back soon and want to try working some metal as well. Regardless of what lure I use, I always seem to lose more walleye than I land. Should I try rigging a stinger hook? Is there anything that I can do to help increase my catch ratio? Check out my pic...

 

[Neal/CO]

are you missing hits or losing them after you hook them? Are you using braid or mono?

 

[whompuscat658]

are you missing hits or losing them after you hook them? Are you using braid or mono?

I'm losing them after I hook em. Mono.

 

[Neal/CO]

I'm losing them after I hook em. Mono.

When I fish at night there is nothing finesse about it!!!! I use 17 lb Nano-fil and a 15lb floro leader. This allows you to feel the strike as it happens and set the hook quicker! Set hard!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most big eye's hit right at your feet. This set up allows you to keep their head up and pointed toward shore!!! They are disoriented and you can literally surf them up onto shore before they can turn and head to deeper water! Anyone who tells you big walleye don't fight haven't caught any If they get back out to deeper water they don't have speed like a Wiper or big trout! They try to get to the bottom and rub their mouth on anything down there. The longer they do this, the more likely something bad happens Don't let that happen!

By using braid you should be able to feel them as they suck in the lure as opposed to when it is being expelled! You will get much more solid hookups and lose less fish whether they be small or big!

 

[slayerfish]

Yes braid and a fast action rod. I was always a mono guy all the time but have learned the ways of the eyes.

 

[whompuscat658]

I'm going back tonight. I've never used braid for freshwater only salt. When using braid in the ocean, you wrap your spool with electric tape or something similar to prevent it from slipping. Is this what you would do? How long is your leader? Also with regard to the coyotes at Chatty, it's safe to be out there by yourself real late right? I always hear a ton of em and they get pretty close. Maybe I'm a ***** but I almost want to carry my .357 just in case. It's a just a little spooky when it's pitch black, you're the only one out there for a couple miles and all you can hear is coyotes all over the place.

 

[slayerfish]

Coyotes wont hurt ya, they're just loud dogs. I run 10lb braid with a 12 lb flouro leader.

I use a crane (barrell) swivel at the joint. Most tie directly but I find the swivel to be much quicker and easier to tie plus it stops any twist that may happen.

 

[Neal/CO]

I'm going back tonight. I've never used braid for freshwater only salt. When using braid in the ocean, you wrap your spool with electric tape or something similar to prevent it from slipping. Is this what you would do? How long is your leader? Also with regard to the coyotes at Chatty, it's safe to be out there by yourself real late right? I always hear a ton of em and they get pretty close. Maybe I'm a ***** but I almost want to carry my .357 just in case. It's a just a little spooky when it's pitch black, you're the only one out there for a couple miles and all you can hear is coyotes all over the place.

If you are fishing out there at night there are lions out there! I saw one one night and I know other people who have seen them and taken pictures of them. Lots of tracks also! I carry my 357 or my 45 when alone everywhere I fish at night!!

 

[whompuscat658]

If you are fishing out there at night there are lions out there! I saw one one night and I know other people who have seen them and taken pictures of them. Lots of tracks also! I carry my 357 or my 45 when alone everywhere I fish at night!!

Is it legal to carry a loaded handgun in the park like that? As long as it's visible right?

 

[Neal/CO]

Is it legal to carry a loaded handgun in the park like that? As long as it's visible right?

It is a state park. Colorado is a open carry state also. I also carry concealed for work every day, so you can go that route also. I usually have some kind of jacket on anyway at night that covers it.

 

[whompuscat658]

It is a state park. Colorado is a open carry state also. I also carry concealed for work every day, so you can go that route also. I usually have some kind of jacket on anyway at night that covers it.

Good to know man. Thanks. I've seen videos where cops checked people that were open carrying to make sure there gun wasn't loaded. Was that because it was in a different state?

 

[Neal/CO]

Good to know man. Thanks. I've seen videos where cops checked people that were open carrying to make sure there gun wasn't loaded. Was that because it was in a different state?

I have no idea? An unloaded gun is pretty fucking useless!!!

 

[Neal/CO]

This was taken at Chatfield by someone on this site several years ago.

 

[jigsallot]

i have night ice fished at Chat and i always carry w/ ccw. i have seen many coyotes come right up to me. one night they tried to get my dog... the power auger took care of that, and a very obedient dog....

Carry Allowed in these Areas:
State Parks: YES CRS 18-12-214.
State/National Forests: YES CRS 18-12-214.
State WMA’s: YES CRS 18-12-214.
Road Side Rest Areas: YES