Tony G

Nice fish, I was there to weigh my 21lb 6oz. king in hopes for fish of the day, and saw the fish weighed it is big, our boat today boated a 26lb 12oz. king, they are out there. I have a feeling this will be the year of the "big" fiish.

I looked at weather.com for Wilson. I am liking your info much better,LOL!! anyhow if conditions will allow we will be out.

Really pschyed to get out and catch some fish this weekend, but it looks like mother nature may keep us trailered all weekend, supposed to be strong NW winds and T-storms.

My team has released many fish that would be in the top 20. we feel it is better to release the fish , unless it has a shot at the top 3. I agree if there where faster updates and a dedicated channel there should be WWAAYYY less fish kill. With wireless internet, updating could and maybe even should be immediate, we as anglers could monitor the boards and relay to others info as requested. It is a great idea and really would not require a great deal of effort to pull off.

This is one of the reasons that everyone on the boat must be entered and is question that comes up often. Many times, numerous people handle the rod in the process of getting the fish to the boat, especially on a charter and this is all within the rules. One person may pull the rod from the rod holder and set the hook, then hand it off to another for their "turn". That person may get tired and hand it off to someone else and then a third of fourth person will net the fish. Who by the way is actually the person that "brings the fish into possesion" or loses it and brings down the wrath of all aboard.

This is one of those areas where the integrity of those on the boat come into play because when we are fishing, if we are honest with ourselves, we KNOW who caught the fish. Trying to maintian IGFA type rod handling regulations is way out of the scope of a Derby. Where problems arise with me, and the main reason the youth division was dropped, is when fish are for entered in a way to manipulate the standings. Let's say you caught a fish that made the board. When it's your turn at the rod you happen to land another fish that would make the board. Well you know if this fish is smaller than your previous one, it's no good. And, if it's larger you will knock your previous one out but if you let your buddy register it........Heck, you're out in the middle of the lake, who will know? Or, it won't place very high in the division but if I say my son/daughter caught the fish, maybe they can win an award.

Can I stop this from happening? No, not all the time but I do catch a few every year so I am aware of it happening. What everyone needs to think about is not only are you cheating the derby, you are cheating another contestant, youth or adult out of an honestly placed fish. How we conduct ourselves in public is one thing, what standards of conduct we practice when we are alone in a boat with clients, family or friends is a choice each of us has to make.

Thanks for this.

It is discussed all the time but what is the OFFICIAL take on guys setting the hook and passing the rod off or even switching up if someone gets tired. Will these fish/fisherman be eligible to enter the fish in the derby??

.Just re-tied a bunch of DW action flies. I used 40lb Big Game and Gamakatsu - 1/0 -2X strong- treble hooks, these hooks are VERY sharp. I used the Trilene knot. I am thinking this is a good upgrade from the hooks and lanyards that where on them to start with.

My fishing partners and I need a little help. We always catch a few fish on yearly venture to the Wilson/Niagra area. But I see/hear about guys catching a lot more fish than us. We will be up their the first weekend of May. It is my opinion we fish to shallow as I see/hear about good catches coming from deeper water (140'+). We spend alot of time in the 60'-100' range. For Kings what are you successful guys doing in early May??? Also I am considering using paddle/fly combos this year much more than in the past, what are you guys using for distances behind the downrigger balls?? Please help us have one of those 20 King days.