Top Water Bass Fishing on the Chicago River | Whopper Plopper & Wacky Rig Catches | Kayak Fishing

[@kokorowatanabe9022]

looks incredible lake

[@GeoFishing]

Now that’s some fun right there 😎✌️🎣 Awesome. Happy Fishing 🎣

[@tyghtlines]

Thanks 👍

[@williamlavelle7786]

I grew up Sacramento and Lawrence in the 50's. The stuff that we saw floating in that open sewer was revolting. My father used to trap rats that were 7 to 9 inches without the tail. This was a nice neighborhood even then. One of my friends was Jerry Saperstein whose father owned the Globe Trotters.

[@tyghtlines]

I don't doubt those claims one bit. The river definitely has a stigma to it. But since the 1970s federal clean water act and in the 2010s when Chicago started treating the sewage, the water has become a lot cleaner. I'm still not going out of my way to swim in it or anything like that haha.

[@CharlesSmith-f8t]

Amazing

[@tyghtlines]

Thank you!

[@robertscott2885]

More “flipper flopper” action.

[@travisschulz4643]

Dominant performance as usual. 1.) I’ve thought about getting into the kayak game but have only considered pedal drive. Have you ever used that and/or why do you prefer the motor? 2.) Is that a Yamamoto Zako trailer? Thanks!

[@tyghtlines]

Oh man, which kayak was a topic of discussion and comparison for a little over a year. I've used both and even had an inflatable - the Colorado XT Pontoon - that I put a motor and modded it with a standing platform. I think it comes down to the water you like and want to fish. Smaller lakes and ponds even the river IMO is better suited for a pedal drive. Not to forget that it's lighter, too. I prefer a motor because I'm lazy and spot lock is a game changer. Not having to constantly reposition yourself or carry an anchor. Plus, for tournaments having a motor is almost a must-have these days. So I figured if I did get a pedal kayak, that I would have to spend the money on a motor anyway. I do use the Zako, love the action. Durability leaves a lot to be desired. I was using a zman RaZor ShadZ, and kept the same one on all day. Better durability with the same action.

[@travisschulz4643]

@@tyghtlines So if a guy gets an Old Town PDL, can one swap that out for motor later on if desired. Or is that not possible to interchange pdl/motor? Thanks!

[@tyghtlines]

Unfortunately, there isn't a way to swap the drives. They both come with a removable plate to cover the hole in case you didn't want to bring the pedal or motor and wanted a traditional paddle kayak. But no, if you get the pedal version you're stuck with the pedal drive. However, old Town kayaks (pedal and motor) are set up well for either bow or stern mounted trolling motors.

[@bobcondon9602]

Nice job. You are really nailing those bass. Is that the south branch? I've tried fishing the canoe launch near Loomis and haven't had any luck

[@tyghtlines]

Yep, you got it! I know around the launch is tough as it gets a ton of pressure. Have you tried the River Park launch area between Argyle and Foster? I've done really well there from the bank.

[@bobcondon9602]

It is rare when I get to the north side. That's a long slow drive. I do try to hit Montrose a few times a year for spring bass and fall salmon. I've fished lake calumet and the river near there a lot.

[@tyghtlines]

Gotcha, I've done well on the Calumet as well. Jackson Park (lagoons South of the museum) and Wolf Lake (and the lakes to the left) are great for Pike and panfish, as well as a few good bass.

[@bobcondon9602]

@@tyghtlines Jackson park is a great suggestion. Thanks. I used to fish 63rd st for salmon in fall. Any other south side or southwest suburb spots that you'd recommend? I caught a little of everything fishing lake calumet and the river, but I'd enjoy the bass and drum the best. I'd love to hook into a laker or northern. I see guys online catching them off of navy pier and between there and the field museum. I've never fished burnham harbor, I need to give that a try too

[@tyghtlines]

If you're a bank fisherman, look at the Saganashkee Slough Woods and the surrounding ponds. Typically good for panfish, crappie, bass, and carp. Look into the Lemony Quarries, too. There are also some good places in Joliet along the Fox

[@hirokosato5032]