Spring Gathering!! No more Fever!

[LilRyjoe04]

Alright guys, I know we have the June 10th Summer Gathering all in line now, but I have the fever bad and need to do some fishing sooner. Let's get some ideas out on the table here and come up with a time, date, and of course most importantly location. I would like to fish in April in the prespawn period. I would like to fish where there has been big blues and flats caught last year. So let's hear what you guys have to say. Cataract? Wabash? White River? What's it going to be fellas?

[ScottWiseman]

Whats everyone doing this weekend?? Haha Seriously...sounds like a good idea...I am down for it whenever...

[jholl949]

I haven't seen anything on a gathering in Indiana in June. What days does it cover and where? I'll get it on the calendar if you want.

[Jroc777]

I would say for location the white river would probably be the best bet. I think the river will probably get going before catarac does. I'm down to go anywhere though. I just want to get out and catch some fish.

[gargoil77]

Hey Mike the Indiana gathering is June 10th on the White River in Indy. Unfortunately I can't go. But the spring gathering... lets see... either the 8th or the 22nd looks good to me. So far it does anyway. With my situation anything can change at anytime. Location? Got the Ohio down by Belterra. We talked about that in another post. I've seen it but don't know anything about it. Maybe keep it central for everyone is good too.

[jholl949]

It's on the calendar.

[WhiskerfishLou]

:crying: Ok... if I wasn't on a tournament circuit, June 10th would be fine. I'll be there in spirit. Guess I'll have to shoot for the KenLake gathering instead. Tight lines and screaming Reels!! :)

[LilRyjoe04]

Okay, the date for the Spring gathering will be April 22, which is a Saturday. Depending on the weather (Cold) we will be fishing at night so I think we should get there around five or six in the evening. Does this sound alright? That way we can get all of our equipment set up and get some food on the grills right at dusk.:) Do you guys want to fish the same location as the June gathering? It might give us a better feel for what we need to do in June. (With a bigger crowd) Let me know how you guys feel about the date, time, and location. If anyone would like to try or knows of a better location let me know and we can see what everyone thinks and go from there. West Side Bait and Tackle closes at 5 p.m. on Saturdays so if you want to bait up that would be the place to do it. As a matter of fact we might all meet there and then drive to the location which is only a mile away.

Spring Gathering:
Date: April, 22 2006
Time: 4:30p.m.
Location: Westside Bait and Tackle on White River Parkway
Waters Fishing: White River (Downtown Indy)
Phone number of Westside Bait and Tackle is (317)636-6236 if you need help with directions.

[D-NICE-OK]

Man these PC's suck when they don't act right:mad: That sounds good fellas.
I usually stop by Fall Creek Shop if it is still open or Pike's on pendleton.I will try and get some times on there shops and post them.

[ScottWiseman]

Fall Creek is closed...and PIke is very undpendable as far as hours go. I would try Westside....just my opinion.

[LilRyjoe04]

Does that mean that everyone's going?LOL! We are meeting at WestSide Bait and Tackle at 4:30 p.m. It doesn't matter to me where you guys bait up at, but the spot we're fishing at is literally a mile at the most away from Westside. It looks like we're going to have a good turnout and that's exciting. If you guys want to bring a grill and meats, I would recommend it. Us fisherman tend to stir up a healthy appetite!:) Oh yah, and drinks....Crown and Cokes!:)

[D-NICE-OK]

Hey Scot are they closed forever or just haven't open yet? i know these last few years she has been wanting to close but just haven't. remember the big BEAR in there:eek:

[ScottWiseman]

I am pretty sure it is closed.....it looks empty and there is a for sale sign in front of it. When I was working the boat show on Monday, I had a couple people tell me that they had closed. Sucks...it is literally 2 minutes away from my house. As far as Pike goes, I dont know how many times I have called them to see what time they close and they say 5PM...so I get there at 4 and they are already closed. They lose more business than they generate in my opinion. Beech Grove Bait is going to be open 24/7 starting April 1. That will be convenient. Cant wait for this outing guys....I am ready to catch me some catfish!

P.S. A very good friend and coworker of mine fishes the spot of the outing several times a week after work and never goes home empty-handed. He has caught flats up to 40 lbs.

[gargoil77]

Ok fellow Hoosiers... I fish lakes and creeks. Never hav fished from a bank on a river. I do not have big cat poles and reels. Down here we really don't need them on the lakes. Do ya'll recommend that I get some? Do they allow camping on the bank? I thought aboutcoming up Friday after work and staying til Sunday.

[Jroc777]

I am planning on being there. Ryan, are you planning on fishing by the trestle right down the road where we fished last year? If we are in this location there is a big open area that you can setup tents, barbecue, and lauch a boat if you would like. There is also a spillway dam just up the river that can be fished as well. I have caught several nice flatheads and channels out of that stretch of river last year. There is a huge brush/log pile next to the railroad bridge in the water and there is a deep hole right on the other side of it. That is where I caught my personal best 46lb. flatty. There were a lot of turtles here last year but it may be to cold for them to be much of a nuisance in April.

[LilRyjoe04]

Hey Mark, you should be fine with the poles you have, not unless you want to pick up one at Westside Bait and Tackle, they have pretty good deals on rods and reels and they will spin your line for you.That's where I got all my rods. If you want to use your poles, I would probably get some semi-heavy sinkers, but the river shouldn't be churning to much. Joe, we will go wherever you caught your 46 pounder!;) After we all meet at Westside, you can lead the way. Hopefully the turtles won't be an issue for us, but I don't think they will be out in full force yet.:cross: I am excited about the gatherings this year and it's going to be good to meet you guys! I can't wait to go fishin!!:)

[Salmonid]

As of now, I have April 22 and June 10th free and clear so Id like to come over for both pending any schedule changes between now and then which is always possible with my work schedule.:sad:

Salmonid
PS Im pretty sure Id drag another Buckeye or two with me, will advise when we get closer

[wildcatter]

Mark, I have used smaller poles on the river,but if you hook into a nice cat it doesnt treat your pole very well. Bass Pro has some nice catfish pole for about $30.00. My son just bought himself one and likes it very well for fishing the Ohio. Hope to see you at the gathering in Indy.

[gargoil77]

I go to Bass Pro quite a bit and fantasize. I've been debating on a new combo but just can't choose which one. So far so good on the spring gathering.

[Salmonid]

Can someone send or PM me some directions from Rt 70, Ill be coming from Richmond area

Thanks, Salmonid

[BigFlatty]

april 22nd....

C&C.......$25
Bait.......$20
Shoredinner....$10
Fishing with the brothers, and hopefully showin em all up:cool: .......Priceless!!


Can't wait guys, have to work that day, but will be done by 6 and head straight there from work!

[Salmonid]

I know this is still 8 weeks a way but I got the fever!! What is the schedule for Friday and Saturday and are folks camping overnight and fishing into Saturday? If I come over Friday night, I wont get there until 8PM or so Ohio time, I always get confused what the heck time that will be in Indiana.
BTW, DID EASTERN INDIANA EVER OFFICIALLY PASS THE DAYLIGHT SAVING THING? I know it was in the news last year but I havent heard anything in a while.

You guys need to get with the program....;)

Salmonid

[gargoil77]

I'm going to need directions from 65S. I thought about going up Friday night and camping if there will be other people there. I was thinking if I did then I can smoke a pork butt or turkey so we can have something to eat Saturday. Maybe smoke a big pot of beans. If we eat the beans friday night then we can have our own stink bait for Saturday.

[ScottWiseman]

For those that need directions, just go to mapquest.com and use the following address as your destination:
1507 W. Vermont Street
Indianapolis Indiana 46222

That is Westside Bait and Tackle's address.

Hope this helps....

Scott

[wildcatter]

Thanks, Scott for the address.

[river scum]

thx for the addy scott,

lol @ garg

beans. If we eat the beans friday night then we can have our own stink bait for Saturday.

[LilRyjoe04]

I know that I won't be able to make it on that Friday night, but I am 100% sure I will be there on Saturday. If you can get some guys together for Friday night, go check it out. (Make sure the stink bait is good and ready Gargoil);)

[Jroc777]

Im about to start a new job where I will be rotating one week dayshift and the next week night shift. I'm not sure which I will be working on Friday but I will be down there once I get off. I am planning on fishing all night. I should be there all Saturday night as well. I can't wait to get out and do some fishing. I think I'm going to head down there tomorrow and see if I can get anything going.

[D-NICE-OK]

Are you fellas going to be by the rock dam or further down towards the bait shop?

[Salmonid]

Yeah, I have never been there so a description of the place might help me know what to bring, is the shore muddy, rocky,weedy,grass? Bike trails or groomed? Walking trail or bush whacking?, or and folks are talking about a big stretch like 1/2 a mile from the bait shop and up or down?, where is the best parking, can I load all gear into a wagon or park where I want to fish? any help would be greatly appreciated! Are fires and overnight slumbering allowed?
Lost at sea... Salmonid

[D-NICE-OK]

I haven't been down there fishing in years. I know there is plenty of space by the dam. At one time you could drive your car right up to the river. Not sure if you still can.

[ScottWiseman]

I haven't been down there fishing in years. I know there is plenty of space by the dam. At one time you could drive your car right up to the river. Not sure if you still can.

Nope...now you have to park by the road and walk down. For the most part it is a nice area....like a jogging trail and nice grass and everything. I dont think you can build fires. Parking is plentiful along the road.

[Jroc777]

The area I usually fish is down by the railroad bridge. You can drive your vehicle down a path next to the tracks (there are some huge ruts now so you will probably need a truck to drive down there). There is a big open area down there to fish from. It is a sandy/rocky area without much mud by the water. There is a trail going down the side of the river with the brush cleared out in areas so that people can fish. You can also launch your boat form here. I'm not sure if you are allowed to have a fire but I made one almost everytime I was down there last year and never had a problem. I have never seen any DNR guys down there. Westside bait and tackle is about 1/4 mile down the road from this location. The spillway is just down the river from here so we can go there and do some fishing as well although there isn't a lot of room to fish by the spillway.

[gargoil77]

Park and walk? No fires? uuhhh. Can you fire up a grill?

[ScottWiseman]

Well guys...I am not going to make the spring date. Another fishing board I am on has an outing that weekend at Patoka and I committed to it already. BUT..I have said it before and I will say it again...I work Tues-Sat, 3PM-11PM with Sundays and Mondays off. I fish almost everyday (or night) and if anyone ever wants to go somewhere here in Indy or nearby...just send me a PM.

[centralcalcat]

I will be there. Cleared it with my Fiance and she said that would be fine, she will be doing "girl stuff". DOn't wanna know.:p

[gargoil77]

Welcome to Indiana Brian. Hope your move went well.

Did I understand that you had to get the ok from your fiance'? Oh boy! :)

[BigFlatty]

welcome to the hoosier state brian, look forward to seeing you next month. next month.........man that sounds good:cool:

[skippie2use]

Hey, I live in brookville and am always looking for new people to fish with. Fish brookville and summit and the ohio river all the time. hit me up if u would like to go sometime, and yes I have a boat. No bank fishing for me.

[LilRyjoe04]

When we meet at Westside, we'll figure out where we want to go. Joe(JROC) knows of some good spots, so we'll just follow him. I'm goin to be grillin!! You can't keep a man from his food!;) It's supposed to be 71 degrees next Friday in the Indianapolis area.:) :) YAH!!!!!!

[BigFlatty]

dude i know its supposed to be nice, can't wait i'll be fishin for somethin all weekend rain or shine. pm me if anyone wants to go sunday!

[LilRyjoe04]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm looking forward to the gathering and I'm still alive. I haven't been on in a while, I have been in Toronto for the past five days. With all the rain we got this week, I bet the fishing should be prime for the weekend Big Flatty. I wish I could make it out. Good Luck Fishin!

[LilRyjoe04]

The gathering is less than a month away and the weather is getting nice!:thumbsup: I'm looking forward to fishing with you guys! Let's catch some Hawgs!

[gargoil77]

Plans may have changed for me now. I might not be able to make it. I'm trying though.

[rairdog]

Hey Ryan wassup. I will try to make it 4/22, thats my b-day by the way. Fishing is awesome right now in front of my house. Read my post about the cats I caught with eggs. Come on out anytime. Later

[LilRyjoe04]

Sounds good Jim. It is going to be a great time. We went fishing last night and my brother caught two blues both around eleven pounds each and I caught a nine pounder. I can't wait till the gathering. Take it easy man, I'll see you there. We'll have a birthday bash!;)

[Mr. Catfish]

hey ryjoe, I'll have the pics of the fish from saturday up tonight or tommorow.

[Crackr]

Bad timing for me....I'm on vacation the week before the spring fling :mad: I will try to go to the summer gathering June 10th. Hope you fellas do well :p

[Salmonid]

Hey guys, I was wondering, how many rods am I allowed to have out in Indiana since Im an Ohio guy ( were allowed 2 rods only) counting down to the 22nd:rolleyes:

And can we get an updated list of who will be there on the 21st late, and 22nd?
Im planning on it and will probably have another with me, and is there a close ramp for a small boat with 20 hp on it?

Thanks, Salmonid

[daystarchis]

I will be there. Cleared it with my Fiance and she said that would be fine, she will be doing "girl stuff". DOn't wanna know.:p
Hey Brian, good to see you clearing things with your woman;) That will keep you out of trouble:p

[Brushy Bill Roberts]

I plan to attend this "fish fest" Look forward to meeting all of you folks.
See you at Westside.

[rairdog]

Went down to the spillway below the 16th street dam today during my lunch hour. I work 10 min from it at 29th and Meridian. I stood on the top of the abutment and watched the carp and suckers swim in a pocket of water on the West side of the spillway. It's on brothers! The Catfish will be there this weekend feeding on eggs and gorging for pre spawn. I'm gonna fish it Thur after work if the weathers good and let you know how I do. By the way, I live on the White river North of Noblesville. I have 200 feet of frontage and plenty of camping space. If you want to have a gathering at my place I can put up you up for the weekend.

[rairdog]

Haven't heard much on this post lately. The river is ripe with fish. By the way Fall Creek bait store is open. I go by there everyday to work. The 22 is my B-day and there better be some people show up. Otherwise it will be hard to explain to my girlfriend:cool: . If you guys are having second thoughts voice your opinions now. We can still fish at my house, camp and drink cocktails. I can put you in a tent or camper right on the river. And!!! I will put you on fish. If we go to 16th street I need a designated driver....LOL.... I will try to bring some fresh shad, although Its been hard to find them yet. Just let me know if this trip is still on. Otherwise I can walk out my front door and jump in my boat and fish without driving all the way downtown.

[Salmonid]

Im still in if everyone else is, Im like you, this thread got quiet quick, so if your gonna be there, let us know and which day/night you plan to fish.
My plan is to fish Friday night late, then early Sat till noon or so, I could move that back to Saturday night if thats the best plan, You all let us know!
Otherwise Ill pass on the 2 hr drive and head to my local haunts.

PS how much rain did you get yesterday, Here in Dayton we got an 1 inch and my property is totally flooded.:sad:
Salmonid

[skippie2use]

Ill be there if U guys are going.

[skippie2use]

Salmonid if this thing doesnt happen in Indy we can head down here to the white water River. Hoping to have my boat fixed before this weekend. If its done we could head to the MIGHTY OHIO. We caught 25-30 channels here at brookville on Saturday. We caught 4 fish over 10 pounds.

[Bigones]

If yall are heading to the mighty Ohio let me know I am willing to go.

[skippie2use]

Tim, my boat wont be done by saturday. He will have the fork changed in the lower unit on friday, which earlier I thought he was going to be done by wedsday. So that means I wont be able to get it welded until monday. You have my number, if you want to take your boat we can go down to the ohio. Or we can hit brookville they are feeding like MAD CATS at the lake. I caught one small flattie up there tonight, and 6 channels in about 3 hours. That was fishing all live bait no cut bait. Which I dont do often.

[Brushy Bill Roberts]

Hello guys, I am getting anxious to get to the river. I Got a new reel today. An Okuma Coronado CD90. Cant wait to try it out. I may have to work saturday, but I can come in as early as I want. I will definatly be there by the 4:30 meeting time. I will be there for the night. ( as long as the tornados leave us alone this week.)

[Jroc777]

I am still going to try and make it but I wont be able to be there by the 4:30 meeting time. I started a new job and wont get off until 6-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. I am going to try and fish for a several hours on Friday night after work and probably stay over night Saturday because I have Sunday off. Looks like Friday night it might rain but Saturday is supposed to be pretty nice.

[catseeman]

Hello fellow hoosiers. I live in Indy. Just found your plans for 4/22. are you still meeting a westside to fish whiteriver? please let me know as I was planning to go to rising sun for a tourney, but am flexable to fish close and meet you all. good fishing.

[LilRyjoe04]

I'm still planning on attending the gathering this weekend. I drove by the spot where we are going to be fishing the other day and the river was churning from the recent rain we had. The beach looked like it was under water, but it will be down by Saturday weather permitting. Let me know if you guys are still coming. I'll be at West Side Bait Shop Saturday at 4:30.

[river scum]

watch out for the man in green this year! lol im diong what i can to make this trip guys, sure hated to miss last years.

[gargoil77]

I won't be attending the gathering. My daughter is coming into town for Thunder over Louisville and I want to spend time with her. Maybe we can get another one going.

[catseeman]

I just bought another fishing mobil yesterday. a dark red blazer .looking for sat. to get here. see you then.

[Brushy Bill Roberts]

Very excited about going to the river tomorrow.
This will be my first river trip of the year.
Anxious to see that West Side shop, I heard
Its been around since the early 50's.
See you all there.

[Mr. Catfish]

Ya, should be a good time.. See you guys there !

[Mr. Catfish]

Im not real sure how to get there, i will prbably ride with ryjoe, but the address for Westside is : 1507 West Vermont St.
Indianapolis, In 46222

Try mapquest...

[catseeman]

Jim, from 65 north take the WEST street exit go south to 11 th. st.(ithink it is first stoplight) TURN RIGHTfollow this west across the river TURN LEFTon WHITERIVER PARKWAY WEST DRIVE. go about 1 mile westside bait is on the right . i will pm you my number use it if needed. hope i helped. lenny

[catseeman]

address and pfone for westside is on page 1 of this thread,317 636 6236 1506 ...west Vermont St. on the corner of white river pkwy and vermont st. got to go work on the fishmobile. catch ya later.

[Salmonid]

So everyone is meeting at Westside Tackle at 4:30. is that right? and then fishing the river right behind there, is that also correct? since I might be later then 4:30 and want to know where in relation to the tackle shop folks will be.
At this time im 60% sure Ill be there, depends on some other stuff that will require my attention at the house in prep for some flooring going in next week.

Salmonid

[Jroc777]

I had to work late tonight and wasnt able to make it but I'll be there tommorrow night for sure. Hope to see you guys saturday night.

[catseeman]

Jim, from 65 north take the WEST street exit go south to 11 th. st.(ithink it is first stoplight) TURN RIGHTfollow this west across the river TURN LEFTon WHITERIVER PARKWAY WEST DRIVE. go about 1 mile westside bait is on the right . i will pm you my number use it if needed. hope i helped. lenny correction it is MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD. not WEST ST.

[catseeman]

The river looked real good tonight around 8:30pm. bank had some mud hole but still drivable at the railroad bridge. looking forward to tommrow. hopefully i will have the problems worked out of my new to me red jimmy.4door. if not be in a black ford 4 x 4 .

[LilRyjoe04]

Today is the day!! I am looking forward to meeting all of the Indiana members! We are meeting at West Side Bait & Tackle at 4:30p.m. The water level has subsided a little which is good but I think we'll knock em dead!! I can't wait to go fishin!!

[shortbus]

Have fun fella's, wish I could make it to one of these and meet a few people from here. How bout a northern indiana gathering???

[catseeman]

Shortbus how far north? just got back from indy gathering on the white river. it was alot of fun . Igot a mud bath before i caught a fish (due to some idot in a red pick up ) not baitfish . Good fellowship amoungst the BOC .enjoyed the evening . Even though it ended to soon. cold front moved in fish moved out. good ribs though. Some of the brothers got some fish. I will let them do the bragging or complaining as is ther pleasure. It was good to see some fish being landed and photoed. Hope everyone made it home safely. good luck to all. catch ya later

[shortbus]

Maybe something on the wabash??? About what time did the fish head out because of the front coming in? My spot turned off at around midnight.

[catseeman]

The fish quit about the time they should of started 11 or11:30 but the temp dropped ,I guess 10 degrees inabout a hour brrrr. Start a thread with date ,time , location to see what responce tou get. idon't mind driving to fish. My usual spots are 1 1/2 hrs away. catch ya later.

[shortbus]

Baitfish, I fish from peru to lafayette and can't realy think of a place big enough to have a gathering. Lockport boat ramp might be big enough but the fishing isn't the best. How many people attend these gatherings is the question.

[LilRyjoe04]

Well guys we gave it good chance and threw just about everything at them but the kitchen sink.lol We need to find a new place for the future gathering in June and if you guys want to have one sooner, we are definately up for it. It was good meeting the members that showed up and it was a group of really nice guys! We ended up having JROC77, Joe Lutey catching a four and half pound flatty and I think Jim (Baitfish caught a flathead as well), Bushy Bill Roberts and Catseeman we're down at the other end and caught some carp, the cats were'nt active but we'll have better luck next time. I look forward to future gatherings and let me know if you guys want to try some place else. I think rairdog was talking about a good place, and Skippie2use (Shane) said Brookville lake would be a good spot. :)

[rairdog]

Sorry, I didnt make it guys. It was my b-day and nobody would give me a ride. I sart picking shrooms and drinking beer in Lafayette around 11:00 am and then everyone was worn Out! I made it home but didnt want to drive down there by myself and get started again. By the way we got 5 lbs of shrooms, all little greys and yellows. I called Westside and they didnt know about any gathering or people meeting in the parking lot so I figured nobody showed up. Then my girfriend came over and I did the othe type of fishing. If you want to have a gathering at my house just let me know (bring your own girlfiend sorry!)

[catseeman]

I forgot to brag last night i did catch an alligator. hooked it iin the frontend , not a foul hook , right where you're suppose to . I never know what i am goin to catch out of that river. aand am not surprized. iwould guess it to have been about 4ft long and about 195 wide didn't have a white belly (wall) but still plenty of tread left. you guessed ,it was a highway gator the kind laying along the interstates. hahaha. catch ya later.

[Brushy Bill Roberts]

It was good to meet everyone who showed up. Look forward to another gathering. Lenny had a busy night, after helping a lost soul get his truck out of the mud, he caught the longest thing that any of us pulled from the river. It was a ( unfortunatly not all that rare in our Indiana rivers ) I think a Michelin. Then later that night, he got to enventory his tackle box due to a major spill. Being the good guy he is, he always had a smile on his face.

[Brushy Bill Roberts]

I didnt resize these correctly the first time.

[gargoil77]

I think the next gathering needs to be longer and in a place where we can get together and have a cookout and drink some adult beverages and not have to worry about driving home:cool:

I agree with Jim. Longer, a cookout and beverages. Need a place to pitch a tent. I wish I could've made it to this gathering. Sounds like it was a fun time.

[Mr. Catfish]

Hey good to meet you guys that showed to the gathering, i agree, the next gathering we need a place to put up a tent. If you guys would have only gone down that sturdy lookin ladder off the bridge.. lol

[Brushy Bill Roberts]

I was telling a friend of mine where we fished at and he said that they fished from that bridge support when he was a kid. He said that there was a tree next to it that they would climb down. I told him it was still there and there were some kids fishing there when we arrived. As much as things change, they stay the same.

[Mr. Catfish]

that tree didn't look too "alive"... lol, im sure someone will take a swim soon from climbing on that ladder

[Brushy Bill Roberts]

Thats exzactly what it was, a moron in the mud with his truck. I believe alcohol was involved. He sure made a mess of catseeman, he was just trying to help.

[LilRyjoe04]

Great pictures Bill!! The gator looked real!:eek: When he caught it I looked over from where we were fishing and his pole was bent like hell. I thought someone said he had a carp on, but instead it was a tire.:happy: It was a good time though. Well, when's the next one? Is there sufficient space at your location Rairdog? I think the place he's talking about is the place to go.

[skippie2use]

Brookville Lake Has Enough Bank Space For as many as wish to pile in excellent oppertunity to catch allot of fish also has three camp grounds and other opps. we can talk about as well. Also it would give some of the ohio guys a chance to come over also. Like I said in another post I could run a very to some excellent spots that u cant get 2 without a boat but still have plenty of bank space availlable. Allot more bank space than we had this weekend. Ryjoe I will leave this up to you to put together since u have some time. LOL I left u dates that I have available under mud hole story. If anyone has bad preconceived Ideas about Brookville throw them out of your mind. I have been fishing this lake for nearly 20 years and if u know where to fish it can be the best in the state except the ohio river.