June 6, 2007

Fishing at Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona Illinois

Today was the first day of  Summer Break, and Joey had a bad case of Catfish Fever.

At the park at 6 AM. Water temps in the mid-upper 60s, visibility about 18-24 inches, weeds coming on strong. With a little distraction on my part, I was able to sneak in a few hours of bass fishing (but the big bass weren't interested). Loads of 10-13 inchers, three "keepers" at 14, 14.5, 15.5 inches, on blue black grubs and chatterbaits.

Lunch at the Lakeside restaurant. Popcorn shrimp for him. Walleye sandwich for me. 1/3 of the way through my sandwich, he wants to try it, Big Mistake, I NEVER GOT IT BACK..... Coffee and IceCream, then back to the lake. Picked up some worms on the way out to the dock. Worms, chicken livers, Gulp baits and it's catfish time !!!!

Here's a little Video Action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AFAoA1WjSc

Lots of action, no monsters, but several nice 21-24 inchers. Kept a pair of 21 inchers in the livewell for the backyard pond.

Stopped fishing about 6 PM, but he was ready to explore the trails again. We hiked around until dark, saw hundreds of 17 year cicadas, any even found the infamous Shabbona Crop Circle.

Winds are picking up June 7th, the deer are really moving around the backyard pond.

This weekend should be Good Fishing at Shabbona.

Good Luck Everybody !!!!

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