Reminder: 6-8 are needed at the shed tomorrow

Just a reminder, those that volunteered, you need to be at the shed tomorrow at 9:30 AM to get poles ready for Kids Derby on Saturday.

Now here are some proper fish

Bob Ray shows off a couple fat carp he caught out of Boyd Lake Wednesday. Combined they measured 52 inches. 

Photos by Charlie Higgs

Loveland Fishing Club Calendar Questions

Several people have mentioned to Jim Visger that they have difficulty using the club calendar on our website. The Calendar we use on the Loveland Fishing Club (LFC) web site, https://sites.google.com/site/lovelandfishingclub/Resources/calendar is a Google calendar because we have a web page that is powered by Google. 
Here are a few helpful tips;

From your PC or MAC Search Engine,  Type in Loveland Fishing Club, Select Enter

If You Have a list of sites be sure to Select Loveland FIshing Club, and again Select Enter

Now you are on the home page with a menu with several options. Most of the questions have been about the Calendar.

Select Calendar (right upper middle), Hit Enter; 

Now you have the current month Calendar 

Displayed. To see Calendar events in later 2019

Move the cursor over to Agenda on the Calendar and Hit Enter

Now you should see a calendar list in a smaller font, 

simply scroll down to find a future event.

LFC Boat Day June 12

Howdy,

The June 12 Lovelend Fishing Club Boat Day will be at Boyd Lake State Park. To sign up send an email to Tom Miller at tomsmiller@lpbroadband.net If you don't have an email you have a good chance of catching Tom at the Friday morning breakfast.
Tom will capture those with boats and those needing a ride and sort things out. Once you know whose boat you are on it will be up to you to get together with the boat owner and figure out where to meet and at what time.
Boyd Lake is one of the Colorado State Parks and requires either a daily or an annual pass so for some of us we may have to meet the boat owner at their place before heading to the park.

Old anglers and new fishing lines

By Bill Prater
Fish Explorer

Consider this a tutorial on new fishing lines for old Colorado dogs, and anyone else who needs to learn new tricks. It is aimed at fooling still water bass and trout, but should be equally useful for panfish, and equally useless for trolling or fishing around heavy cover. (Warning: Anyone with a heavy investment in heavier equipment may disagree with what follows.)

For senior anglers, it gets harder with every passing season to manage what was once the easiest parts of our sport. Like getting in and out of the boat or waders, or more pertinently, using the best tools for finding, hooking and landing a fish. We also tend to spend too much time getting to the point of a conversation. Which in this case is, “How do we take advantage of the 21st Century’s remarkable fishing line revolution, while relying on 20th Century eyesight and arthritic hands?” Whoever invented the eyelet on a size 20 midge, for example, should be forced to fish with a cane pole and a tobacco canful of worms. Anyway, the eventual subject of today’s discussion is not fly tying but ultralight spin fishing, “finesse” as folks call it these days. Specifically, let’s focus on how to ensure a reliable connection between rod and reel and chosen bait.

In Colorado (unless trolling or chasing catfish), we face relatively clear water free of

• Brush and other snags
• Stable water levels
• 10-pound bass. 

We generally do best when limiting line size to the smallest practical. For me that’s 4- to 6-pound braid main line attached to a comparably sized fluorocarbon leader. This is far from the easiest way to go about dangling a bait in front of fish. For one thing, these ultra modern lines are barely visible to the naked eye. Yank on them, and they can inflict wounds more vicious than any paper cut. Tie them together, and the knots can slip like they’re doused in WD-40. Oh, and braid really does stand out in clear water, and seems to be noticed by wary Colorado game fish.

“Why bother, then?” 

Trust me, and folks at places like Berkley and Seaguar, these lines are easier to knot together than they were just a few years ago. You also get greater sensitivity, which allows you to detect more bites, and increased strength and casting distance.

But unless your knots are meticulous, a half-pound bluegill giving a half-hearted tug can sometimes separate line and lure. Worse, a half-assed line-leader connection can work fine with stocker trout, only to fail when a big one swims along. Firmly attaching braid to fluoro, particularly for those with failing eyesight or shaky hands, adds its own special aggravation.

So again, why bother? Simple:  If fishing was too easy, it wouldn’t be as much fun, or as time-consuming, and everyone else would be too good at it. So, how should you prepare for the next fishing trip?

First of all, before we get any further, you could just skip this discussion and stick to monofilament. It’s a lot cheaper, a heck of a lot easier to work with, and floats, which is a blessing with some applications. You can also get by without a leader. Just buy your line in bulk, so you can change line more often. It stretches, which weakens strength, and sunlight over time will have the same effect on mono that it does on Dracula.

Back to braid. You should know that in my fishing circles, this type discussion usually begins with a half hour or so of argument over the need for a darned fluorocarbon leader in the first place. You can simply tie a hook directly to braid, and eventually some dumb fish or another will bite. Trust me on this one, though, in clearer water he or she is likely not the fish you really want to catch, and may not bite as often.

When I was a child angler, back in the early 50s, monofilament was the costly miracle line of the day, too costly for the Prater boys. My brother and I used a cane pole tied to sturdy cotton cord, baited with every small creature within reach. Dad after a day of fishing would patiently air dry the braided linen line on his trusty bait caster. He also used sticky black tar to waterproof the thick cotton lines he used on homemade trotlines and gill nets.

Later, even the best mono of the post-War era was thick and stiff. You could confidently attach your hooks with a Granny Knot. There was no need to “Improve” the “Clinch Knot” until years later. I’m sure fish noticed, but we didn’t notice that they noticed, if you catch my drift.

With equipment like this, most of my family’s fishing was for panfish and cats. Bass fishing didn’t take off until technology allowed us to be sneakier on the water. Spinning gear wouldn’t find a place among trout fishermen until it could be used to toss tiny, tiny baits.

With the new mono, angling has evolved rapidly. But because it floats, we quickly learned to weight down baits with chunks of lead, and heave big old baits that matched the size and spirit of our clunky old bait casters, telling ourselves that big baits catch big fish. That practice persists, and is of course a primary road to success in big bass country like the Midwest and South. Even around here, some gullible fish still bite those things, affirming Darwin’s Theory of Survival of the Fittest.

But in Colorado, with finesse tactics and matching line, you can generally flat out catch more fish of all sizes, on tackle that evens the playing field between you and a fish that’s typical of our difficult growing conditions.

One final thought: Just a few years ago, an adequate leader for spinning tackle was thought to be 18-24 inches long, not 6 or 7 feet, or even 20. I think that’s because most fishing shows and fishing writers are focused on the murky, snag-filled waters of the Midwest and South. Again, we can argue about this, but I’m pretty sure I’m right, at least about fishing in our generally clear lakes and ponds. Around here, go with 10 to 20 feet, so the main line-leader connection isn't under stress when the fish gets close to the boat or shore. Or at least 6 feet. Unless you don’t worry about cost, buy fluoro for your leaders in a 150-yard spool. It’s not as good as the fluoro sold for specifically for leaders, but cheaper. And don’t try spooling up your spinning reel with the whole roll. Fluoro is great stuff, but a pain to cast. I personally use 6-pound leaders in weed-choked water, or angling for bass, and add a 4-pound tippet for trout. 

Nowhere above have I recommended best knots to use with these rigs. This is a job for You Tube, or someone with more patience than me. And you can yell at your computer screen, not me. Just Google Double Uni Knot, Crazy Alberto, FG, and maybe Shaw Grigsby (a professional who recommends an unnamed knot that is a cross between an Improved Clinch and a Uni Knot. I find it easier to tie it with my failing eyes. But they will all slip until you practice them over and ever in a well-lit room, particularly when you try demonstrating them to someone else.

Our thanks to Keith and Kay Gentry

Keith Gentry, who has led the club's highly successful and rewarding support of the Loveland Fishing Derby for several years, is relocating to Sterling, CO right after this year's derby. He and wife Kay were recognized at Tuesday's general meeting with a plaque of appreciation.

Club President Jim Visger, left, presents a plaque to Keith Gentry.
(Kay missed Tuesday's meeting, home packing; so she also missed out on cookies eaten in her honor)

Thompson Schools fishing Canceled

The fishing for Thompson Schools has been canceled and will be rescheduled for sometime in September

Set aside Saturday, June 1 for annual Kids Derby

Please plan to volunteer with the June 1 Loveland Police Kids Derby.

Under the oversight of Keith Gentry, the club's role in the annual event at North Lake Duck Pond is taking shape.  We'll be handling event registration, tackle loans, measurements and the free raffles and prizes for biggest and smallest trout.

The Saturday, June 1 event opens at 8 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m.  If you've not signed up yet to volunteer, look for the signup sheet at Friday breakfasts.  This is our largest annual volunteer project, and one of the most fun and memorable.

As in years past, Colorado Youth Outdoors will be cleaning and cooking the kids' fish, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife will stock the pond with trout.  Loveland Kiwanis clubs will provide family priced food and drink and Colorado FOP lodge 27 and 52 will provide free child identification cards to children up to age 14.  The event is sponsored by Loveland Police.

Dave Boyle outlasts a blue cat

Looks green to me, but Dave says he got the best of this blue catfish last week, using 6-pound test line and a lot of patience to get the 25-incher to the boat.

Location for Tuesday's Thompson Schools fishing

Weather looks bleak for Tuesday, so we'll let you know if there are changes, but for now we're looking to help with a day of fishing for adaptive needs kids from Thompson Valley nmddle schools.  

It's set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at a private pond just north of the Big Thompson River west of Namaqua Road in Loveland; enter from the Eisenhower Bridge construction site, the same as last year.

About 65 students are signed up to participate.

Check out Cindy’s Navajo smallmouth!

Walt Graul concedes he’s mostly driving the boat this week down at Navajo, stopping  occasionally to admire Cindy’s fish - in this case a big hen weighing about 5 pounds! 

More from Jumbo... possibly the same fish

The latest reports from the Jumbo trip are still looking good, with good fishing to go with splendid weather.

Rick Golz and dinner.

Norm, Rick and Leland with the day's catch.

Fishing looks good at Jumbo...

The walleye bite is looking good at Jumbo Reservoir, based on some early photo submissions from Rick Palmieri, aboard Norm Engelbrecht's boat. They're threatening to eat some of these...

John Grady with 11-inch crappie

Norm, pointing where to cast next, and Leland Carpenter.

Jumbo anglers - sure we believe you. But we want photos!

Looks like more than two dozen club members are heading to Jumbo next week, and looking at the prospect of balmy weather. Have to be folks taking their cell phones or cameras - and we want to see some photos. Some with fish would be nice, but let’s see what you got.

You can post directly to the club Facebook page, and we’ll add to this blog. Or e-mail toBilljohnp@gmail.com And we’ll post to this blog.

JUMBO RES. WALLEYE FISHING, MAY 13 &14, 2019

If the weather forcasters are accurate Monday should be a great day for fishing and Tuesday won't be too bad either at Jumbo Reservoir. Lodging will be at either the Sedgwick Antique Inn or the Budget Host in Julesberg.

I suspect that most of us already have a boat buddy or know who they are sharing a room with but without a contact person for this trip there hasn't been much information or co-ordination about that. I'll send an email to everyone on this list and anyone else planing on going that isn't on this list can contact me and I'll do the best I can to let everyone know who is with who and who needs a boat to be on or needs to share a room.

Club members going;

Dan & Kathleen Barker

Dave Johnson

George Mayes

Jim Visger

Arnie & Karol Strochein

Ray Park

Larry Seib

Tom & Judy Boesch

Richard Radies

Norm Engelbrecht

Leland Carpenter

John Grady

Merle Boden

Rick Palmieri

David Boyle

Steve Cadle

John Gwinnup

Ray Petersburg

Charlie Higgs

John Nuspl

Rick Golz

Thanks,
Rick Palmieri

Felt soles banned in six states and Yellowstone

This might be information that some of us already know but we felt it was important to ensure that we did our part to inform the rest of us regarding the ban on felt soled boots. Other states are considering a ban as well although the ban in Vermont expired after 5 years.

Which States Have BANNED Felt Soles Wading Boots

1.    Maryland

2.    Alaska

3.    Missouri

4.    Nebraska

5.    Rhode Island

6.    South Dakota

7.    Yellowstone National Park

Here’s a good article that compares rubber vs felt from Hatch magazine.

https://www.hatchmag.com/articles/rubber-vs-felt-almost-10-years-later/7714395

Harlan Ripley's wife Beverly has passed away

Harlan has been a club member for about 5 years now. He usually sat with Roger, Jim Baxter, myself, George and a few others at his table. He fell down weeks ago and broke his hip and pelvis and has been in rehab at Mirasol rehab center. That’s why he hasn’t been at breakfast. A few of us have gone to visit him in rehab and as his daughter says in an email after I sent her an updated contact list, “Thank you so much. I’m so great full for all of you fishing guys my Dad would be lost without you guys. “

Harlan’s wife Beverly has been in hospice. His daughter Terry, wrote and let me know that she passed away yesterday. I haven’t known Harlan long but clearly the friends and support the Loveland Fishing Club has given him has meant a lot to Harlan and his family.

“He is still at Mirasol but we have taken him out a couple of times to see my Mom. He is struggling a little as Mom passed away yesterday. We have an appointment today at the funeral home at 12:30 other than that he should be around. Could you pass the word of Moms passing her funeral is Friday at 10 at Resthaven. Thank you for being such a good friend to him. Terry”

RANGER Lakes trip July 29-Aug. 2

The club’s annual camp out up highway 14 will be a bit earlier than years past. President Jim Visger reports campsites at Ranger Lakes are filling up quickly. The North Park campground at Colorado State Forest is an alternative, but doesn’t have electric hookup.