Chester Woods Sunfish

[DFisherman]

I am going to take me 4 years son out on the boat for the first time this weekend. Can one still catch some sunfish from the boat at Chester Woods? Any suggestion on where and presentation? Thanks.

[CrappieJohn]

I'd pick up some waxies at Gone Fishin and use a simple ice jig under a float. Fishing the edges of weed beds should get you into the sunfish. Given the high temps and bright sun, I's also look for these areas wherever shade is available.

[DFisherman]

How bout crawlers? They work at all?

[Tyler Holm]

I've been using crawlers a lot and doing well on sunfish. If going that route, just use a very small piece (maybe 1-2 inches) of crawler. Crawlers are tought to put on ice fishing rigs nature of the hooks. Its all about the bobber. Use a rig that is weighted so that even the smallest fish could move the bobber or take it under. Small lightweight bobber!

[CrappieJohn]

The primary reason I suggested the waxies is for the benefit of the youngster. They are far easier to get the fish hooked up on than a crawler where the smaller fish might sit and peck the thing to death before it's reduced enough to actually get the hook into the fish. Waxies can be fished on a light aberdeen hook too, like the crawler.

When getting kids introduced to fishing, the primary tenet should not be going fishing, but going CATCHING. You not only want to hook the fish, but you want to have enough activity taking place that the child doesn't get bored....you want to get the child "hooked" if you will.

Waxies are far cleaner to use. Easier to use and are a whole lot easier to keep fresh in the heat.

The comments on the float by Tyler are exactly right. These fish can be the slightest hitter and a balanced rig with the smallest usable float will get the most fish regardless of bait.

Tyler....Are you working during the week now or do you have some mornings off? Toss me an e-mail.

[Guest]

I was out there last weekend, small jig with 1/2 crawler in about 12-15 ft of water by the submerged trees. I got my limit in about an hour(big ones!). Please remember that the special regulations out there allow a 10 fish limit and they must be 7" or bigger.

[DFisherman]

Sounds like fun. Thanks for the good advice guys.