| Since any caught fish must
be weighed and recorded immediately for a timely release, stewards with
scorecards, scales and weigh slings are required to patrol different sectors
of the River. As a steward, I had an opportunity to witness first-hand
many of the different techniques, baits and equipment set ups that the
anglers used. Fundamental items included rod holders, either bank
sticks or the sophisticated rod pod complete with bait alarms. The
specialized European-style of equipment is becoming increasingly more popular,
with long powerful rods (8' to 13'), large capacity Baitrunner reels and
the bolt rig on the terminal end.
Though the River was already
pre-baited, most anglers also used chum or feed to either hold the carp
within their peg, or attract the fish away from others. I watched
one angler launch with precision balls of ground bait with a catapult (slingshot).
Sometimes passing tour and pleasure boats can stir up activity below, and
he would launch a barrage right after them - some of the passengers looked
perplexed and concerned - "whoa, he just fired across the bow!"
With the different concoctions and sweeteners used, some of it smelled
down right good (I swear I smelled raisin bread). None of that stinky
catfish stuff here. |
Trevor Blohm readies a
mixture of feed, including trout pellets, seeds and commercial flavoring...
|
The feed is then packed
into a disintegrating PVA bag, after which it can be cast for precision
baiting
|
Bob Williamson
of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources informed carp anglers and
passersby with an interesting and informative exhibit on carp fishing and
carp biology...
|
Carp have teeth!
"These teeth crush or grind food items by pushing upward against a bony
plate on the bottom of the skull." Carp can taste and sense texture
with its barbels and sensitive mouth, while posessing the ability to crush
hard baits like feed corn, seeds and boilies.
|
Bob Mathes with a nice
9 lb. 4 oz. fish from what later proved to be a very tough section of the
River, as this was the only carp taken in a 33 peg stretch.
|
The widening Lake Shore Drive
section, with Navy Pier in the background
The weather cooperated splendidly
with no rain and comfortable temperatures. The fish on the other
hand, did not, as this was one of the tougher Classics. Many very
good anglers got blanked, including seasoned Chicago River veterans.
On to the tournament results
and awards...
<- page
1 | page 3 - results
->
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