Fishing Alone
scolba
Posted 10/13/2008 9:38 PM (#340601)
Subject: Fishing Alone




Posts: 122


Location: Bloomington, IL
So tomorrow I am trying out something new. Fishing by myself. Is this a sign that the addiction is a full blown one? Honestly, I can't find anyone to fish with, and its in theory a FANTASTIC day here tomorrow. Full Moon, Cloudy, NNW winds 7-10mph, and a high of 71. Sounds pretty ideal....

So going by myself brings some questions to mind. If by some miracle, I manage catch my first IL musky, how in the heck do I take a picture of it?? Is there an accepted method that isn't in the net?

Also, how do you guys like to handle putting in the water? Back in pretty deep leaving the winch strap on, and then motor off backwards? Or unhook everything first and float it off w\ a long rope?

Anything else that I need to keep in mind? Prolly old hat to some of you, but not me.

Thanks as always!!!
Pedro
Posted 10/13/2008 9:49 PM (#340602 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 670


Location: Otsego, MN
To take a pic I set the camera on my front pedastal seat and set the timer, just practice it first to make sure you know where to stand with your fish.
When putting in I have a rope attached and float it off.
Also don't make the mistake of trying to net your fish to early, I've gotten a little anxious and lost a fish or two trying to handle a big net and a big fish at the same time.
Good luck!
esoxfly
Posted 10/13/2008 9:56 PM (#340605 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 1663


Location: Kodiak, AK
I fish alone 99% of the time. Launching the boat, I just leave it on the winch with slack and let it slide off. Pull it back in by hand and tie it to the dock, pull the trailer out and I'm good. I launch at an 18 slip launch and if I used the rope method, my boat would be floating into the next guy's slip and would be all over the place.

For pics, I usually do the release shot. Hard to catch me and the fish in the pick, so I concentrate on the fish. Works well for me. I'm working on attaching a camera mount to my boat to use the timer, but that'll be this winter when the boat is put away and not busy fishing.

Edited by esoxfly 10/13/2008 9:58 PM



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Baby Mallard
Posted 10/13/2008 9:59 PM (#340606 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: RE: Fishing Alone





I take a quick picture of the fish in the net if it is a nice fish. Otherwise I don't bother with photos. I think of the fish first and focus on a good release. You might want to tie your net to something in your boat as well, otherwise you might lose your net. Everything takes a little longer when your by yourself. Good luck!
MoMuskieguy
Posted 10/13/2008 10:30 PM (#340608 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone




Posts: 109


I fish alone 95% of the time and I just do a release pic like above. I used to have a tripod with camera attached, but that kept the camera away from me to shoot other spur of the moment pics. Sitting it on the pedestal seat is a great idea if you have a pedestal seat on. I dont think I would set my Nikon D70s on one with my big lens... just too risky. The release pics are nice. Net pics are good too. For me, the safety of the fish is a must so easy release has to be considered.
jasonvkop
Posted 10/13/2008 11:47 PM (#340619 - in reply to #340608)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 618


Location: Michigan
just put the camera on a tripod and either put it on a delay or use a remote. Take a couple of tests pics first so you know where to stand. Better to zoom out far and get everything in the pic as it can be cropped down later. heres and example of one i took alone.


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mikie
Posted 10/14/2008 6:44 AM (#340627 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Location: Athens, Ohio
As far as launching the boat solo, with my 16 ft aluminum boat I use a 30 ft. rope and attach the end to an eye bolt on the bumper of my truck. I remove all the hold downs then back in, float it off and it follows the trailer to the ramp where I beach it. With the big boat, I climb aboard and drive it off.
My biggest problem fishing solo is the netting process. I can usually find a by-stander to take photos, it's just getting the dang fish in the net that is the problem. m
scolba
Posted 10/14/2008 7:13 AM (#340630 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone




Posts: 122


Location: Bloomington, IL
Great! thanks a lot for all the good info guys!! If I end up with a fish on the end, I'll just stick with the release shot. Then you'll just have to believe me on the measurement! WOOO! I caught a 74 incher!!! HA!

I tell ya, the more I think about it, the more I am actually kind of looking forward to going out by myself....When fishing with a buddy, I always try to keep the boat controlled in such a way so as not to block him or anything. But by myself....well....nobody to worry about! I will be able to focus more on the hunt!
ILmuskie
Posted 10/14/2008 7:40 AM (#340638 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 371


Location: Dixon, IL
Learn how to use self picture on your camera. My digital camera is Canon Powershot and self picture every 10 seconds. All I do is press button then again and again until I am done. 2 or 3 pictures is enough! And you can pratice it on your boat or shore so you know the right position and distance between you and the camera. Many times I fish on shore and my tacklebox on ground and my camera on top of the tacklebox and set up self camera quickly. First is make fish more relax and then you ready to take picture! If hook very well and I don't remove the hook and I let it relax in water and I hold my rod and set up camera at the same time. I removed the hook then I press the button and said cheeeesse! I never tie fish on dock while set up the camera. Put fish in net is wise! Two people is lot better but I fish myself 95 percent of the time!
musky-skunk
Posted 10/14/2008 8:20 AM (#340645 - in reply to #340619)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 785


jasonvkop - 10/13/2008 11:47 PM

just put the camera on a tripod and either put it on a delay or use a remote. Take a couple of tests pics first so you know where to stand. Better to zoom out far and get everything in the pic as it can be cropped down later.QUOTE]

I use a tripod and the camera's timer when I go out alone also. Anymore I rarely can't find someone to join me but once in a while after work I like to just head for the lake unannounced and use the time to unwind. Usually I'll just take one in the net but sometimes its fun to get one holding it. The trick is to take some practice shots first. Stand or neal in the shot and then analyze the photo and tweak as necessary (assuming you have a digital camera). Then I'll usually start the timer, head to the net and wait for half the time to tick off. Then I'll quickly grab the fish, wait for the flash, then return to fish to the water... no harm done. If you are unable to do this quickly then stick with the net shots.

Here's a little guy that was my first of the season. It was the only fish I got alone this year that I took a picture of outof water... gotta get a picture of the first one right!


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bchunter26
Posted 10/14/2008 8:25 AM (#340646 - in reply to #340638)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone




Posts: 91


Location: Wausau
I fish alone quite a bit and really enjoy it, as said before netting these big fish with that size net by yourself can be a challenge but remember to take your time and don't try to do it too quickly. One thing that has not been said yet that I think is very important, have all of your release tools especially your Nipex ready to go and right next to the net before you go into the bag to do any un hooking, also make sure you have a good first aid kit along as well. Good luck.
KARLOUTDOORS
Posted 10/14/2008 10:04 AM (#340670 - in reply to #340646)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 956


Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs
Just saw commercial for a camera mount on one of the outdoor shows. Its large scissor type spring loaded clamp with a ball and socket mount for your camera. Just squeeze and clamp to your boat windshiled, Gunnel, tackle box handle, ... whatever and use the ball to adjust your camera. If someone else saw this please post. I would buy it in a heatr beat. It ran about $20. I have actually thought of this configuration in my head and just havent gotten around to messin around in my garage to try and make one. Someone beat me to it. For the price, looks like you cant beat it.
Karl
rpike
Posted 10/14/2008 10:07 AM (#340671 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: RE: Fishing Alone




Posts: 291


Location: Minneapolis
Lots of good tips. I like to use a Down East rod holder to hold the net once I've got a fish in it. My Beckman handle slips right in, which gives me two free hands to work on the fish. No more straddling the handle. I can leave the fish in the net while I get my camera ready.
KARLOUTDOORS
Posted 10/14/2008 10:18 AM (#340673 - in reply to #340670)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 956


Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs
Okay, Just did some searching and found this. Very similar to the one was referring to. This one goes for $22.

http://www.nextag.com/Nrg-59005BK-4-Baby-585000175/prices-html

Karl

Edited by KARLOUTDOORS 10/14/2008 10:19 AM
agrimm
Posted 10/14/2008 11:22 AM (#340687 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 427


Location: Wausau
I use a RAM camera mount - you can find on thier website.
I have a bungee cord strapped down across my rear deck and place the net handle under for control.
Echo - make sure the fish is in the bag before you try to lift the net - lost a many of fish by catching hooks on the net.
When netting the fish, I make sure the fish in on a short leash and pull over the bag, lift and hope.
All release tools are in reach and camera is all ready on the mount - unless it's raining.
Musky Brian
Posted 10/14/2008 1:07 PM (#340717 - in reply to #340687)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Posts: 1767


Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin
To me, one of the most important things when fishing alone is the placement of the net. I like to keep the net handle right by my feet, witht he basket away from me and any possible hooks. This makes sure that when you are ready to net the fish, all you have to do is make one simple movement straight down and the net is in your hands, rather then moving to the other side of the boat and whatnot...
ShaneW
Posted 10/14/2008 4:16 PM (#340745 - in reply to #340687)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone




Posts: 619


Location: Verona, WI
I have the same RAM camera mount that Agrimm has and it works great. If you can find a digital camera with a remote it's pretty easy to take pics by yourself. Position the camera, grab the fish, and there you go. Attached is a pic I took of a 39.5" fish I got on Sunday by myself with this set up.

Shane


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scolba
Posted 10/14/2008 7:06 PM (#340774 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone




Posts: 122


Location: Bloomington, IL
Well, no need for the camera tonight.....stoopid Evergreen. I am getting so frustrated that I am about to break down and hire one of the guides here for half a day or so....

However, the loading and unloading was very successful, thanks to your guys' help, so I surely appreciate it!!!!
BNelson
Posted 10/14/2008 7:14 PM (#340777 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone





Location: Contrarian Island
I have caught tons of big ones fishing solo up to 52.75 and one thing I will add...at night ..get yourself a work light..something that really lights up the boat/area...I found one on ebay that is rechargeable and plugs into my cigarette lighter...you'll want to light up you and the fish as best you can at night so your camera focuses as well as it can....
I either use a tripod or set the camera on my butt seat..
self timer...I have it down to a science now and can get better pics than some of my fishing partners take...no names... ; )
here is that light for any interested...I also use it to light up the boat on all night pics now
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vector-150-000-Candlepower-Cordless-Worklight-l...

Edited by MSKY HNR 10/14/2008 7:27 PM
firstsixfeet
Posted 10/14/2008 10:30 PM (#340804 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: Re: Fishing Alone




Posts: 2361


Or, here's a radical idea, just release it.
bn
Posted 10/14/2008 10:36 PM (#340807 - in reply to #340601)
Subject: RE: Fishing Alone


fsf
it doesn't put any more stress on the fish to get a pic fishing solo as it does w/ someone in the boat