Hybrid Meet & Greet Info!!!!!!!

[GetANet]

When: Sunday, October 13th
Where: Lee's Marina
When: 7:00am

I figured we could get together and B.S. for a few before heading out.
I would like to provide some " Where & How To" with a little help from my boyz for anyone interested which should benefit anyone who hasn't fished Lake Hopatcong or for Hybrids! Even guys who have may learn a little something to up their game as well. I'm no pro by any means and don't claim to be but I do catch my fair share of quality hybrids and owe a lot of my success to learning from others as well as time on the water. Also going to have some recommened rigs posted and hopefully an accurate update of fish location day of to make it even better.
And yes, I am well aware of the Salmon M&G the following weekend. I'm sure not everyone is heading North so anyone is welcome to attend and
hopefully experience some of fall's finest fishing for Hybrids and Walleyes too! Who knows maybe Mr Musky may even make an appearance!!!!

[Mikeps326]

I am in for sure!

[acabtp]

thank you for the sunday consideration! calendar marked, see you guys there! :D

[Jigman13]

Oh damn... That's my birthday. No better way to spend it!!!! I AM IN!

Please do post about techniques, gear, etc... Always good to be prepared.

[Fish n Jeep]

In. Dynamite and a long handled net, right?

[kcritch]

I'm in...plus one more. Bringing a buddy along.

And I'm all about the Fish n Jeep method baby! That's funny.

[420*NightCrawler]

Sweet, Sunday works better for me as well. I appreciate you putting this together for those of us who haven't fished hybrids, especially as far as tactics and rigs. It's easy enough to look up on the internet, but hearing it from the local fisherman's mouth is always best. I look forward to trying some fall hybrid fishing.

[jimmythegreek]

OK boyz, its official now :) I am on LH just about every weekend and I will do some recon on where the schools are hanging and what kind of depths they are in the days before the meet and greet, Ill try my hardest to put the group right on the fish off the bat. I know alot of u guys like me get out very early, so feel free to launch at dawn and then just tie up at Lee's for a few to BS with everybody. I will post some recommended rigs and some recommended lures. I HIGHLY suggest that you guys use herring, it is by far the best producer on LH for the hybrids, and u can easily fish multiple rods w bait in the water while u jig w no problems. Ill post some specific diagrams or a video if I figure out this GOPRO thing on what to use and how. Id also like to add that if anybody cant make the morning time feel free to come out later in the am, by mid october the yahoos are off the lake and its mostly just fisherman, even the little boats will be safe out there kayaks too. When u get on some big baitballs w schools relating to them the fish bite all day, Ive banged them one after the other in the middle of the afternoon, its not like summertime. There is a small deli/market to the left on the way to Brady bridge, they are open til Oct. 31st so Im thinking a lunch break there if anybody wants to join. Plenty of room to tie up all our boats and have sum lunch.

[Fish n Jeep]

I'm a huge fan of lunch. Its one of my 3 favorite meals.

[Mikeps326]

This will be a great one can't wait so far it will be me and my cousin and maybe even my brother.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Oh YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAA, I'll be there. Ain't no party like an NJF party cuz an NJF party don't stop!!!!! Can't wait to do some fishing with the finest anglers in NJ!!!!



P.S. I'm going to start using bait finally. If I don't catch anything on the Herring, I'll pickle them and eat em!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[ChaosStarter]

Are we going to have a paper tourney like you guys did for Swartz? Or is it just hang out?

[Skunk City]

'BridFest!

[GetANet]

YEA BABY BRIDFEST 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NJF is at it again!!!!! Da BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shameless14]

I'll try to make it, it would be my first time at a meet and greet!

[GetANet]

PM'ed Gerry and he's going to set me up with some NJF bumper stickers to hand out at the Meet & Greet as well.
I know Your all sticker whores too!!!!

[acabtp]

PM'ed Gerry and he's going to set me up with some NJF bumper stickers to hand out at the Meet & Greet as well.
I know Your all sticker whores too!!!!
excellent work!

[GetANet]

A question arose about a paper tourney, I personally wasn't interested in it but I guess we can do something if enough people are interested. I suggest IF we do, it should be something small just to make it a little more interesting. I want everyone to know who hasn't been there before, unfortunately the ramp fee is like 20.00 so keep that in mind. I try to keep my costs down because I do try to fish every weekend and look to save on expenses any where I can. So I guess it's up to the majority.

[Detour66]

I would like to attend this event but I don't have a boat. Please contact me if you are looking for someone to fish with. Sounds like a good day of fishing would like to go! Thx K

[iceehot6766]

I do believe I will be participating w/ a friend of mine who also is on this board.......Will confirm later this week...Never been Hybrid fishing in all my years but am so looking forward to it!!!

[basspilot]

We cant have a successful event without a snowglobe trophy! I'm not sure if I have a wiper in a globe laying around here anywhere.

[GetANet]

GETTING STOKED!!!! Really looking forward to meeting all the crew I never met before!!!! Yea gotta figure something out for a award!
BUT SUMMERS OVER AND IT WON'T BE LONG!!!!! YEA BABY!!!!!!!!!

[ScowardNJ]

Man I wish I could make this. Unfortunately I have other plans. Catch em up boys!

[flatcreek]

Looken forward to the MG and want to be ready so if some of HP guys could tell me what I going to need and go over how to fish it, it would be much appreciated. I like fishing with bait so herring will be my choice.

[UglyStick]

Just remember that the 5 foot draw down is scheduled to start on September 22nd at a rate of 1 1/2" per day and be all the way to 60" by November 1st.

[Mikeps326]

So by the greet and meet it would be around 30 inches. How much will that affect the fishing this fall?

[AndyS]

What happens is many marinas close down completely. I was out years ago in late November and carried my 14ftr. down to the water using the Yacht Club, I think I was the only boat on the lake, KDC members were allowed to use the Yacht Club for launching since all the marinas had closed because of the huge draw down. I think now would be the time to start callling marinas to find out who is going to be open and who isn't.
BTW, that day my buddy got an 8lb hybrid jigging for walleye, AND he bagged an 8lb. walleye !!

[GetANet]

Thanks for the info, will monitor water levels via Jimmy and try to find out launch info. When I originally spoke to Jimmy he didn't seem to think it wouldn't be too much of an issue. Hopefully not cause it would SUCK not to be able to fish it!

[Mikeps326]

I hope we will be able to fish for the meet. Might have to try it late September just to fish it for the first time.

[acabtp]

someone who lives over there (i think it was jimmy) had said the drawdown wouldn't be an issue for boating that early in october.

here's a graph of the last drawdown:
http://www.tombeauchamp.com/misc/fishing/lhdrawdown2008.gif
by mid october, looks the lake was only down 2' or less from when the drawdown started, so we'd probably be ok? would be hard any later though because in the second half of october the levels start to drop much faster.

[GetANet]

Feeling pretty confident we'll get it in. And that's not considering any rainfall we get either!!! The NJF Hybrid Fest 2013 Will Be On!!!!!!!

[Skunk City]

Feeling pretty confident we'll get it in.

...said every man ever lol!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Yea, OL Dale must get it in alot fishing 30 hours every weekend!!!!!

[GetANet]

Yea well somebody got to do it!!!! LOL Making sure my skills are sharp for the big show!!!! Considering going Pro and start guiding for them!!!!!!HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

The lake will be fine for 'BRIDFEST 2013!!!! Can't wait!!!

[Fish n Jeep]

...said every man ever lol!

:D

[jimmythegreek]

dont sweat it guys, the lake will be 2 ft down at most, and lees first launch is the deep water launch, I see yachts going out off that ramp, no worries. we will have rain by then which will help and the king of the lake contest is that weekend for the KDC members, there will be no issues with launching. And for those of you who asked about what the water level will do to the fishing its not gonna matter one bit. We will be vertical fishing mainly in 25 to 45 feet of water, 2 feet isnt gonna matter one bit to the fish. Get ur binskys now they may be hard to find come Oct. 1/2 is perfect size

[420*NightCrawler]

I have a friend that lives on the north end of the lake, I asked him about launching in October on a draw down year. He's been there 20 years and doesn't recall ever having any issues launching. I would think everyone will get in and out just fine, especially if there's a deep water launch like JimmytheGreek said.

What's the preferred method of fishing them, live bait or artificial? Or should one come prepared to try both if one is not working? Any suggestions for rubber baits and colors? GetaNet, I know you plan to explain how to fish them more at the greet, but I want to have the right baits ready on board too. ;) Would it be a good idea to set a time to meet for some lunch and drinks as well? I know Mason Street Pub on the north end of the lake is easily accessible by boat, has a bar, and good food at decent prices....ideas and/or thoughts? Menu and pic of docks-http://www.masonstpub.com/

[FASTEDDIE29]

Both methods will work, bait and jigging! Rig up 2 rods for bait fishing and have another rod for jigging. Jigging helps pass the time while your waiting for a Wiper or Walleye to inhale your bait.

[420*NightCrawler]

How many rods I can use is dependent on how many people actually come with on the boat. I'm hoping to just have my father, a great old-school hardcore fisherman with....but I have a bad feeling my brother, a fumbling novice may come too. lol

[jimmythegreek]

So guys can get an idea of what to use and what they need......

There is no limit of rods per person, but I use 2 rods for live bait and one rod for jiggin. If im in my boat by myself I often fish 4 rods, one on each corner, and run 2 higher than the 2 others. basically in fall these are the 2 best methods and a 3rd method that involves special gear

1. Fish finder rig http://ultimatefishingsite.net/fish-finder-rig/

Use a 1/2 - 3/4 oz egg sinker on your mainline then tie on a barrel swivel, some use a bead, I generally dont, then tie on your leader, I use 10-14lb floro then to ur hook. My preferred hook is a mosquito owner hook size 1. I like to hook my herring thru the nostrils sideways or thru the mouth out between the eyes a little forward. when hooking sideways a piece of rubber band or worm helps keep the herring from spinning the hook and putting the point into themselves, often resulting in a run off w no hookset. This is the best all around method year round, especially if the fish are slightly off the bottom or higher when chasing baitballs. *some guys like to use strike guards with their drags set very loose to hear a fish run off. Be careful if this is you, the stripers swallow herring fast and will gut hook easily this way, u will then have to cut ur leader and leave hook in the fish. Strike guards are fine just tend to your rods. I prefer to use baitrunners when fishing this way w a lighter egg sinker*

2. 3-way rig http://www.learninghowtofish.com/media/riggingwhite/threewayrigwhite.jpg

I use this rig in the fall/winter, and its best when u actually hold it in your hand to feel the bites, the fish cannot run too far with this rig in a holder as they will let go when they feel the weight. I use 3/4 - 1oz ball sinker with a 1-2ft dropper, and I prefer TRUTURN swivels, but reg ones work too. The leader off 3way is 10-14 floro about 3 ft long to a mosquito owner hook size 1 hooked same way as the above fishfinder rig

3. Downline fishfinder rig using a line counter. This is how I fish them. I use a fishfinder rig like I posted but I hook my herring and place rod in holder. I let out enuff line so my egg sinker is touching surface of water. I zero out my linecounter and engage the clicker. I pull out the amount of line I need and i kno my bait is at the right depth. The depth is where Im marking fish OR where I mark the bigger fish in the school, usually below the other fish. i run 1-2 ft above those marks for loose schools or when big schools I run right at the depth to avoid schoolies. I leave the reels in free spool with the clickers on, and I use very light rods. When my fish runs the clicker is usually enuff to set the hook and lets the fish take line til I get to the rod. I crank a few turns to tighten the line and hookset and then i remove the rod from holder and fight the fish. If u grab the rod first and try to set u will lose about 50% of the runoffs. I use 8-9ft ugly stik downrigger rods in light action and daiwa accudepth 17s for my reels

The extra rods I carry are jiggin rods in long lengths like 7', ML and M action. I run a silver 1/2oz binsky on one and either gold or chartruese in 1/2oz on the other. As the water drops to low 50s come Nov. I switch to a jigging rap by rapala on the other rod along w the binsky. The jigging rap can work in Oct but usually a blade bait is better, the fish are still active w water in the 60s. When water hits 50s and below the jiggin rap starts to shine

Be prepared for some deeper fishing in mid Oct. I doubt we will mark fish in less than 25 FOW, they will be in 25-35 mainly and some may venture in 35-45 as well, especially if on bait, they can be literally in the middle. There will be varied depths, but the schools bottom orient under bait close to the bottom when they are relating to their food, and the fish u see a few feet off the bottom and higher are feeding and will easily grab ur bait and jigs. Its good to jig cause u can trigger inactive fish w a reaction and pass the time in between live bait runoffs, otherwise put the radio on and drink ur coffee and BS while u wait for strikes. Very important to always watch ur sonar, fish will be zipping underneath u all day long, the water will be 60s and fish very active, so if you get on them u need to stay on them, they move quite a bit, side imaging really helps w that aspect knowing which way they are going

[AndyS]

KDC King of the Lake Contest
5am Saturday, October 12th thru 2pm Sunday, October 13th

[GetANet]

Thanks for the info, but based on the SIZE of the lake I'm sure it won't be an issue. There's plenty of room and plenty of fish on that lake to go around.
Oh by the way, I haven't seen anything saying if you plan on attending as well? It would really be great to see you!!! :D FISH ON!!!!!!!!!

[AndyS]

I'm on the Beaverkill in NY October 12 and floating the upper Big D on October 13th. I have to get in as they close trout season up there October 15th. I booked this in April.

[GetANet]

Nice, brown trout heaven!!!!LOL

[flatcreek]

Thanks for the rig info Jimmy. At SR we use 8 and 10 lb test and 6 and 8 lb fluro leader with fairly light rods. Will we be ok with them or should I round up something a little heavier?

[waynedane]

I'm looking forward to this MG, never fished LH or hybrids. Only salt until my wife bought me a new aluminum boat for my birthday last month, I'm learning quick as I'm retired and fish 3-4 days a week. If someone is without a boat and would like to join me we can give it hell, pm me. Wayne

[jimmythegreek]

Dale I sent Andy a personal invite to fish with me in my boat a while back but he has a float trip planned, I too wanted to see him battle sum wipers :)KDC King of the Lake Contest
5am Saturday, October 12th thru 2pm Sunday, October 13th

last years king of the lake had only 18 entries and I didnt rly see anyone fishing the weekend that were not fall regulars, there will be more of us than there will be of them, and its a multi species contest so there will be alot of shallow water anglers, we will be on the main lake points and bays, PLENTY of room LH is a big lake.

Flatcreek the SR rigs are fine, I use Light action rods myself, my linecounter setups are like trout rods just long, and ur mainline is fine at 8-10 pd test. I like to use 10-12 lb only because I 90% fish LH and u will eventually nail walleyes and muskie, and I do not want to lose those fish to breakoffs, and thats the main reason I run 14lb floro, its the same size as 10 basically with lots more abrasion resistance. There will be walleye caught that day by someone and maybe even a muskie, if I were fishing SR only Id be using a lighter line setup. Lighter rods are actually better for sensitivity on feeling bites, unless u have pricier heavy setups that have nice fast feeling tips. Like I said we will be in deeper open water there arent any snags to deal with, worst case is one runs into one of your other lines or an anchor rope if u use one, so dont worry about light setups, u will just fight ur wiper longer, thats a good thing usually :)

[420*NightCrawler]

Thanks for all the great info, JimmytheGreek, it's much appreciated.

[GetANet]

Month to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!! Between trips been working on my tackle, FRESH LINE ESPECIALLY!!!! I CAN SEE IT ALREADY, BLUE SKIES, CHILLY AND FISH ON!!!!!

If anyone wants to be there earlier all means come on up! I'm sure there will be a few guys there earlier I for one getting bait and stuff ready to go!

[FASTEDDIE29]

WHOOOOOOO!!!!! Less than a month away from 'BRIDFEST 2013!!!!! C'mon fellas, I'm seeing alot of anglers reading this post, lots of interest!!!!! Cancel whatever you have planned for this day and c'mon up to one of the best lakes in NJ. You have nothing to lose and only knowledge of our great sport to gain. This is one your not gona want to miss. WIPERS, HYBRIDS= ROCKETS, OH MY!!!!!!:D

[420*NightCrawler]

I've only used artificial baits on Hopatcong, where do you guys buy the live bait at? I'll likely stay at my buddy's house on the lake the night before, he's on the north shore, north of the Yacht Club. Do you know if there's anything around there? My buddy isn't a fisherman and wouldn't know.

[FASTEDDIE29]

The one and only DOW's is right on LH at Nolan's Point. You'll find everything you'll need there. Ask for a fishing spot they'll give you one. Ask what kind of gear to use, they'll take care of you. Good people!!!! Can't go wrong at Dow's!!!!!

[GetANet]

Oh alright I guess i'll come Eddie!!!! Hey just wanted to throw a great big thanks out to JIMMY and YOURSELF for all the info and stokin' the fire. You two are D" BEST!!!!! OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH CAN"T WAIT!!!!!

[jimmythegreek]

the yacht club is centrally located on the main lake at bertrands island. If your buddy is north of there hes towards the main lake somewhere, thats the section of lake we will be fishing. The north end of the lake is considered past Brady bridge like woodport area, with byram bay being NW and Henderson bay being NE for references. Dows is right next to Jefferson house and a few doors down from the Windlass and Alices. We will basically be fishing the main lake and its points, thats the usual hangouts for the stripers. At the 7am gathering Im gonna run down the spots I marked fish at the day before and earlier that morning and if theres some hot schooling action we will be on it. should be a great time hopefully no rain and some clouds to keep em biting all day

[420*NightCrawler]

Kickass, Jimmy, thank you. I know where Windlass is from the water, I'll map it out and check Dow's out this Saturday while I'm up there (unfortunately not fishing). My friend is northeast of Brady bridge in the cove just south of Oh Sullivan's. There's a small rock island with a single house on it about 200' out of the cove, that's the cove he lives in. Anyhow, I appreciate the info/help.

Thanks to you too GetaNet!

[Mikeps326]

No one has been writing on this post for awhile. All I know is the countdown has begun and 2 weeks is left so make sure your gear is all ready!!

[jimmythegreek]

The lake is doing a mild turnover right now. It was really hot last week and by Friday the fish turned off unless u were RIGHT on top of em and picked a few. Dead weeds coming up everywhere and a green scum all over. Last year this was good fishing the turn was much earlier and it was over by now. There was a slight thermocline in 40+fow this year but nothing solid except the 2 weeks we had 90+degrees. BUT it will be primetime by the following weekend, and the wipers will be hungry. I suggest guys with boats get to the launch by 6ish or so, there will be some other boats launching and u may not get in the water by 7 am. U can always launch and tie up on the outskirts or in empty boat slips, 75% of Lee's boats are out of their slips.

[GetANet]

Love that attitude !!!! MIKE!!! Just thinking about it today last day of sept.
Getting amped up for the big show!!!!! 13 DAYS LEFT!!!!

I'LL BE UP THERE EARLY!!!!!

[GetANet]

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeea!!!!!! almost TIME!!! I think I might head up this weekend to PRE-Fish!LOL Hopefully the lake is settling down a little for the weekend. It's just one of those lakes I always wanna fish, but it's a early/late type of place as far as time and season.


WHO"S AS STOKED AS ME?????? Everybody still coming or what???
Mitch bring me one of those sandwiches too!!!! LOL!!!!!

[kcritch]

WHO"S AS STOKED AS ME?????? Everybody still coming or what???
Mitch bring me one of those sandwiches too!!!! LOL!!!!!

Oh yeah....I'm stoked and coming....can't wait. How early can we launch? :D

[GetANet]

Really anytime you want to, I'm looking to be on the water by six. There will probably be a decent turn out plus other people so I wouldn't show up at seven and then try to launch.

[Mikeps326]

I will definitely be there, and cant wait. But i have never fished it just hope that the lake will be producing by then. And you guys have to take an easy on me i have never fished the lake so hopefully we will all do good that day. See you then ill be there around 5:30.

[FASTEDDIE29]

HYBRIDS for everybody! No worries, a good time of year is among us. They can chew early, mid day or when they feel like eating. You'll be on fish, don't be bashful. Introduce yourself, meet the fellas, and take it all in. There's something to learn every time your on the water, even if your a self proclaimed pro. Your gona catch something as long as you look, learn and listen!!!!!

[Skunk City]

Guys, unfortunately it looks like I will not be able to make it. I'll be doing a guided Hackensack Riverkeeper pontoon tour down the Hack and Passaic that day with my mom. Best of luck to all who are going!

[420*NightCrawler]

I was up there yesterday and the fish were everywhere. Granted I only had 30 minutes of fishing time, from a dock in 2 feet of water surrounded by weeds, but the fish were there. I spotted multiple schools of perch as well as a nice largemouth bass, all in just 2 feet of water sitting out in the sun. If anyone isn't having luck with wipers, I'm sure they can change methods and fish for lmb and smb and come up with some nice catches.

Mikeps326: I've never fished stripers or on the southern part of the lake, I'm sure there will be lots of people there with similar striper experience (none). I wouldn't worry about that, I think they'll get us on the fish alright. From the reports I seen, the fish are there, it's just a matter of putting in the time.

[GetANet]

Nothing to worry about been keepin in touch and have a pretty good idea where they are. We (Jimmy and Myself ) Want as many people as possible to catch at least one hopefully! We can show you the rigs and try to put everyone on fish but in the real world you know that's almost impossible so,
What I can say is Try to be properly prepared (Tackle, Equipment,etc) One good thing to mention is to bring is an anchor. We may be fishing 20ft up to probably 40ft depending on where their sitting. I usually anchor up over a productive looking area using either single or doubles depending on conditions. I only have a small trolling motor and I don't like fighting the motor all day instead of fishing! And Bring the RIGHT attitude!!!

[420*NightCrawler]

Any preferred artificial bait rigs? I'll be using herring on a pole or two, but would like to have a secondary artificial bait out as well. I like the sound of anchoring up, especially if the drift is faster, I hate farting around with moving and making passes. Senko worms, fake crays, grubs? .....or if you prefer to keep that info until the day of the meet, for those who actually show up, pm me please. I will absolutely be there.

I'm not worried about getting skunked. If the stripers aren't there, there's other fish around too. I'm more interested in learning how to fish the stripers and applying that to future fishing trips. I've fished the small north end of the lake for bass a lot, but I'd love to see what the striper hype is about.

[15FOOTER]

Use a big silver Binsky!!! Anchor over a point or fish and vertical jig it! Works great for me on Spruce and I think it should work on LH. Damn I wish I could go!!

[kmaty]

Get a net im going to try my hardest to get up with you guys ive been meaning to get to one of these the last few ive seen got to see whay my schedule is going to be sundays are tough as they are Usualy my crash day after fishing and working all week but might just take sat night off and come meet some names. Should be a good time

[jimmythegreek]

heres an update......I fished yesterday w jackstraw on his new Lund and the lake was still upside down. I fished it the sunday before with the same situation. 2 weeks ago the water temps started dropping real fast and it was on fire. Now the temps went from 64 2 weeks ago back to 71 and its been tuff fishing to say the least. At least yesterday there was bait balls where they are supposed to be around 35-40 on dropoffs, but no fish on them, and still alot of bait shallow and fish scattered. This time of year the bait should be balled up into huge schools and the wipers just hang out near them and relate to their food source. No schools to be found just fish scattered around, and guys were catching small #s of fish on every method. Guys were even fishing the bottom with chicken livers and having a few fish. Seems past 2 weeks livelining has been doing best for the guys I know, downlining has kinda shut down. I REALLY hope we get some rain and some cold temps overnight we need the water to get to 65 or under this week to turn them on and go deep, thats when u can hammer them. I will post a report on Saturday I will be out all day and find some fish and mark them on a paper map so everyone knows some spots they can at least get on them. Best bet for artificials is some kind of jig, u all know i LOVE the binsky, but I also use VMC mooneye jigs w twistertails, gulp, whatever as the plastic, its better to have a jig setup that u can cast a little ways and hop back to the boat, vertical jigging is tough this early as u have to be right on them. Also there are crappie everywhere, its off the hook. I mean thousands of them, huge schools. bring a crappie rod or the right jigs/bait and u can bring home a cooler of them, they are all sitting in 35fow on the drops, so thats an option as well. Water is rly low but launchable hopefully rain this week will keep it close to what it is now, get there early if you r launching ur boat and ask for help if you need it.

[iceehot6766]

Thanks for the info Jimmy...will be fishing Hopatcong tomorrow .......will let you know how we do...never fished it before so it's gonna be a trial and error type of day...Launching out of Lee's.....Tornado isn't stopping us....besides, weatherman is almost always wrong....

[FASTEDDIE29]

Cool weather is on the way guys, no worries! Ah yes, looks like a Striper kind of day out there right now!!!! We'll get on the fish, oh yes we will!!!!

Love me some plastics as well, twister tails, swim shads, paddle tails finesse minnows. All good stuff for jigging.

[waynedane]

Fished the lake today, middle ramp has 1.9 ft. Be careful launching guys, I can't go Sunday with the water getting lower barely made it today. I have an 18ft DV aluminum boat.

[jimmythegreek]

stay off the middle ramp! its the shallowest one, the last ramp is the deep one. Nobody with 19' or under boats will have a problem launching this weekend, just have to be careful, plus we got and getting some rain wont get much lower by sunday

[GetANet]

A little trouble possibly launching is NOT gonna stop me! Did the guy who bottomed out his motor have it up? Or did he try to drive it on? Gotta use some good old fashion "Common Sense" and all will be fine. I know there will be plenty of help available if needed. Got some rain coming too so hope it helps a little too! Cooler weather is gonna really turn the bite on so stop worrying and come catch some fish!!!!

[flatcreek]

We launch at Spruce run when the water is down 10 ft or more and don't have a problem. This should be a piece of cake.:cool:

[jimmythegreek]

phil the ramps at SR are a 100 times better than lees ramps, the reservoirs know they have fluctuating levels of water and the ramps are inclined like 75 feet so u can launch when level is down. LH wasnt designed this way, the ramps arent nearly as deep, they can handle low water and the yearly winter drawdown, but it doesnt usually start til late Nov. and only drops 1.5-2 feet by Dec. The 5 year drawdown starts last week of Sept. and is supposed to be down 5 feet by Dec 15th, so we are already 2+ feet down. Most boats will be off the concrete ramp into gravel to launch, but its still like 3-4 feet which is plenty for fishing boats, if u have a fiberglass bowrider u will not have fun launching haha. The trick is to back in as far as possible to get the back to float then power off in reverse trimmed up high, and stay that way. I use my trolling motor w the big motor all the way up once im off. Im fishing all day saturday and Im gonna check all the ramps w an empty trailer to see whats best for Sun and I will mark spots and fish and hand out a paper photocopy map for guys without GPS. My buddys Lund sits way higher than my crestliner on the trailer and we got in and out NO problems on Sunday, Im not worried

[Mikeps326]

You guys are true fishermen. You will help out that much just so you can see most people have a good day of fishing there are people that hate seeing other people catch fish and will do things so they lose their fish or can't catch anymore. Can't wait for Sunday they are showing cloudy conditions hopefully that'll be good for the hybrids and walleye! See you guys Sunday morning!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

THIS SUNDAY IS GOING TO BE EPIC!!!! Just show up, no worries.
Can't wait to get out with the fellas!


TIGHT LINEZ!!!!!!!!

[cmoran719]

anyone have an open spot on their boat? I really wanna come!! I'll pay for bait!

[Jiggywithit]

Does anyone know if the bait store near Lake Musconetcong has herring?

[iceehot6766]

THIS SUNDAY IS GOING TO BE EPIC!!!! Just show up, no worries.
Can't wait to get out with the fellas!


TIGHT LINEZ!!!!!!!!

Way to be positive Eddie....that's the spirit!!!...Good luck guys...I'm out....Will be looking for pics to see how you guys did....Be Careful....Safety first......Thinking I'll stop by the launch to say hello to everyone if we finish somewhere else by then... ...should be in the general vicinity........What time is it over?

[jimmythegreek]

there is herring right on LH at Dows, just ask us for a map, Ill have photocopys of the lake map made up w the bait shop, lees, and where fish are marked for you guys.

Guys get there bright and ugly if you need help launching, my boat will be wet by 6ish

[bunker dunker]

The Bait Shop On Nolans Point Still Has All Her Rental Boats In If Ya Need One.my Son And I Will Be There Early As Well.good Luck To All

[jimmythegreek]

heck since eddie jr and sr are coming out no need to mark fish for you guys, just follow bunkerdunker+son around and u will find the fish :)

make sure u stop by and say hi bunkerdunker, me and fasteddie will be in my boat

[bunker dunker]

Be My Plesure Jim.should Be Good Fishing!!!!!!!

[GetANet]

Jimmy AND Eddie in the same boat? Ain't gonna be any fish left for the rest of us!!!!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Jimmy AND Eddie in the same boat? Ain't gonna be any fish left for the rest of us!!!!!!

Dale, I don't catch anything!!! MAN, OH MAN, Sunday can't come soon enough. Can't wait to see the guys that never caught a Hybrid hook up. They're gona get hooked for life if there very first Hybrid is a 10 lber. WOW, this is going to be fun. I cant wait to fish with all the boyz from the site. To me, you guys are the best, my life got better meeting the anglers I've met and I can't wait to meet some more.

Jimmy, I'll touch base with you tomorrow. See you soon brotha!!!!

Thanx to all the guys that are coming out. Thanx to all the die hards who GIVE IT HELL every time out. I friggin love you guys!!!! Seriously!!!

TIGHT LINES TO ALL!!!

[420*NightCrawler]

Can't wait. Thanks for all the time you're putting into it scoping things out and more, Jimmy. For all those unfamiliar with the lake, Dow's bait is in the cove just north of where we'll be launching at Lee's. Easiest thing is to pick up bait after you launch or after the 7am meet.

[Jiggywithit]

Sounds like a great day is planned. Any idea how many boats will be participating?

[Wilson]

heck since eddie jr and sr are coming out no need to mark fish for you guys, just follow bunkerdunker+son around and u will find the fish :)

make sure u stop by and say hi bunkerdunker, me and fasteddie will be in my boat

Contest over:D

Good luck to all you guys.

BTW for your GPS

Dows bait
145 Nolans Point Road
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Phone: (973) 663 382

[AndyS]

I'll be floating the Big D with Wilson, have fun guys !!!

[Mikeps326]

Too bad you guys couldn't come out. I can't wait 2 days gotta get everything ready. First time fishing the big lake and hopefully first time catching a hybrid. Even though I have a fishfinder ill be following all the pros (jimmy, fasteddie, dale and bunch of you other guys) lol FISH ON!!!

[Jigman13]

I'm AMPED for Sunday. Perfect way to spend the bday--hopefully bailing wipers and learning a lot from some seasoned big lake guys.

[jimmythegreek]

Looks like Im gonna fish 2moro (weatherman says so lol) so I will spend some time marking spots and letting u guys know whats working and where. Anybody checking this thread planning on coming out PLEASE check in to the site 2moro afternoon and look for the new post Im gonna put up w details of current conditions and fish status. Its been tuff on the big lake for 2 weeks but I have faith the cold weather has dropped the temps and the wipers will be mostly in deeper water chasing the big bait balls.

I highly recommend using herring if its your first time out or u dont know much about wipers/LH, u will catch everything on them, 2 weeks ago my fishing partner Jackstraw nailed a 40s class musky on one, everything in LH eats herring. Otherwise jigs are 2nd best choice and u can use both at same time, set live rods out and jig in between your lines.

Like I said I will be putting a huge detailed post up 2moro so guys coming out check in to the site 2moro for last minute hot setups

[420*NightCrawler]

I'm wondering how you get your herring at depth, I've never used live bait before, besides never having fished hybrids. Do you weight the line with splitshot and let the weight hit bottom with 3-4 feet of free line for the herring to roam? Or do you use a sliding weight?

[Jigman13]

Hey 420, go back to page 5. Jimmy gives a very detailed description of three diff ways to fish live herring for hybrids. Quite informative.

[420*NightCrawler]

Thank you, Jigman, I knew someone discussed it on a thread, I just wasn't sure where.

[waynedane]

Jimmy, could you let us know how much water you have at the ramp when you report tomorrow and do you have a deep v? Thanks Wayne.

[jimmythegreek]

The way to fish herring is on page 5. I will repost the info 2moro in ahuge thread. Wayne I have a 19' crestliner sportfish that has a very deep V, if I can get in I think any of you will be able to.

[GetANet]

TWO DAYS TO GOOOOOOOO!!! Can't freakin wait!!!!
Will be some good times and some FISH ON FOR SURE!!!!!
Any last minute questions anybody has post em' UP!!!!!
I think we got it set up pretty damn good to give everyone a chance to catch some hybrids or at least "LEARN HOW TO DO IT!"

[FASTEDDIE29]

This is what a Hybrid looks like for the guys who have never seen one!!!!!:D

[420*NightCrawler]

I called Lee's to see how deep it was at the ramp, I was told 26" at the shallowest point. I'm borrowing my dad's 17' deep v and wanted to be certain. I measured 20" up to the highest point on the back rollers, so it shouldn't be a problem at all for me either. Not to mention the angle of the ramp and being able to roll off/on the trailer if need be. I don't see it being a problem for anyone with a boat 19' or under.

[basspilot]

I know this is kind of late but does anyone got an open seat on their boat? I was going to take my yak out but wasn't able to install a my humminbird yet so I'm at a huge disadvantage on the big lake without one. Ill obviously split the costs with ya too.

[kmaty]

Im guna be on the lake tomorrow. Guna see if i can catch one never targeted them but have caught a few alot of fun see you guys in the am!

[basspilot]

Kmaty I just sent you a PM.

[Jiggywithit]

Would launching from the state park be a better option?

[kmaty]

Deciding to bank out thankfully there's honest people in this world and it just had to many factors against me if it changes il see you there but for now stripers in the surf tonight for me

[kcritch]

Hey guys...been away on business all week and just saw the updates today.

Getanet and Jimmy....thanks for the honest updates from today. My fishing buddy that I was going to bring along does not want to chance it so we are going to head to another place. I'm not gonna drag him along if he is not into it.

Good luck out there guys....hope it ends up being the dumbest decision of my fishing career and you kill 'em. :D

I'll let you know where we end up and if we run into anything good.

Hope to catch up with you guys soon. Bummer cause I was really looking forward to getting out there and meeting you guys.

Ken

[420*NightCrawler]

x2 appreciating the honesty. It's a letdown after looking forward to it for the past 6 weeks, but what fun would it be if someone were to puncture their boat? Even if the fish were biting today, the ramp conditions just don't sound good enough for me to risk it. Thanks again for being honest, guys, and for all the time you put into this.

[shucker]

Good luck and be safe that wind is crankin the hardest today.