This and that

[big baldo]

Here are some that I have taken over the past week or so.
This pileated was about 2 foot off the ground.(thats my driveway in BG)He kept moving around the opposite side of the tree!!

I believe these are common snipe. Very cool to watch. They fly up and down the shoreline in perfect unison.

The last one is for you Loupey

[Loupey]

That's one handsome looking hawk!

Cool that you even got to photograph a pileated. Let alone one so close to home.

The snipes/pipers/whatever are pretty neat too.

Those largemouths sure have me wanting to get out there with rod & reel (although these are mating so I'd leave them alone). Can you believe that its been 1 year, 3 weeks since the last time I got a line wet ?!?

This photography thing (and a few other things) keeps getting in the way. The walleye are running now/soon in northwest Ohio. Perhaps I can slip away during the next week or two. Thanks for reminding me

[Bevb]

Great pictures Big Baldo, the pileated is terrific, and the hawk has some gorgeous colours to it, what a great series of shots.

[payn817]

Like the pecker, ditto on Loupey's statement.

P.S. I'll be there next week!

[big baldo]

Thanks all for the comments.

Can you believe that its been 1 year, 3 weeks since the last time I got a line wet ?!?

Isnt that against the law!!? I also have had no fishing dry spells(4 weeks is too long for me!!)
before. Luckily, most of my friends are avid fisherman so someone is always looking for a fishin partner. The water levels(low) here have made the fishing pretty good. Usually the bass are off the beds by now but there are some still sitting on their beds. Wade fishing this time can produce some hawgs!!:thumbsup:

[paulnj]

That red-shouldered hawk is my favorite and those are actually dowitchers(can't tell which)

Loupey, ohio's small mouth are far better fighting than florida's largemouth I have fished FL a few times and a 12 pound largemouth is fun. but a 4-5 pound smally is better

[big baldo]

Loupey, ohio's small mouth are far better fighting than florida's largemouth I have fished FL a few times and a 12 pound largemouth is fun. but a 4-5 pound smally is better

Actually I couldnt agree more!! I sooo wish that we had smallies down here. IMO, pound for pound, the best fighting freshwater fish. A 4-5 pound redfish on the other hand.........:cornut: :cornut:

[Loupey]

Ok, you two, now you've done it. I think I got that fishing "urge" again.

I didn't even get my boat out of storage last year. I'll have to find those pixs from a few years back when my fishing buddy and I caught a bunch of beautifully striped smallmouth near Kelley's Island. I think stream-running steelhead fight about as hard (pound for pound).

My mind is definitely made up. A fishing trip will have to happen soon! I hear redfish can be caught on bass tackle? I have a bunch of 2000/2500 and 4000 series spinning reels - will those work? Also a Calcutta round baitcasting reel. I may need a guide down there. Know anyone?

[big baldo]

My mind is definitely made up. A fishing trip will have to happen soon! I hear redfish can be caught on bass tackle? I have a bunch of 2000/2500 and 4000 series spinning reels - will those work? Also a Calcutta round baitcasting reel. I may need a guide down there. Know anyone?

LOL! Get the FEVER and dont forget your sunscreen!!!!!
Actually thats exactly what you use.If your using mono, you might even have to use a lighter LB# test. When I used to use mono, I would use 10-12#LB test for reds and trout.I have caught 40+ inch reds on 10lb test(only in the Indian river and mosquito lagoon where there are no mangroves). Now its all Powerpro with a flourocarbon leader.
Bass rods are perfect. A good reel with a good, smooth drag are essential. (stratic 2500 perfect).I usually use a baitcaster for pitchin live bait and some topwater, and the stratic for everything else.
Flats fishing is like bass fishing in so many ways. All of my favorite flats lures are classic bass lures.
Rapala floating 9s, gold spoon, zara spook, soft body jerk bait or any noisy topwater will produce.:thumbsup:
WARNING: flats fishing can be extremely addictive!!
I think I just hijacked my own thread!!! Sry I get carried away.