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Post by iluvmn on Mar 16, 2016 9:58:23 GMT -6
Just counting the days away when we all will meet up again on the shores of duluth. The thirst is so real I've even been dreaming of smelting with coolers full lol.
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Post by dominodaves on Mar 16, 2016 13:17:45 GMT -6
As for poles, my set up uses PVC pipes with the ends capped, with a small hole drilled to allow for drainage. The rounded caps make for a nice smooth side for gliding across the bottom. They are very light, don't retain water, and are very durable, and have never been replaced. One trick I learned years ago, was to add back ropes to your poles. It's really easy, just add a loop of rope about 6' long from the bottom of your pole to the top of your pole at about where the top of where the top line of your net is tied on. This line goes over your back, with it between your legs when pulling your net through the water. This way when you walk backwards your legs and back do the work. You won't have to bend over and pull with your hands and arms all night long! Last year I had a guy come up and ask me "what king of gorilla are you"? I ask him what do you mean? He saw me pulling my net with ease with using just one hand on the top, that's all that's needed to keep the pole in contact with the bottom! He couldn't believe his eyes and wanted to now what I was doing or if I really had some kind of super human strength! I showed him the back ropes I had on my setup and was so happy that the trick was so easy! In hindsight, I should've played super hero! BTW, with the other hand free it's easier to drink a beer while pulling your net! Big Andy tried it last year and said OMG this makes it too easy to do this! So I will say Big Andy approved!!
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Post by yammaddogg on Mar 19, 2016 9:48:22 GMT -6
Domino what size pvc and lengh do you use. And could you maybe take a pic of your settup. Last year when i got up there Big Andy was helping someone fix how the christiansen was attached to the poles apparently its crucial so the net is flat on the bottom when being pulled could you discuss that. It would be awesome if someone posted a how to video for proper settup.
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Post by jg010682 on Mar 21, 2016 6:23:14 GMT -6
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Post by jg010682 on Mar 21, 2016 6:24:23 GMT -6
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Post by jg010682 on Mar 21, 2016 6:27:33 GMT -6
This is how mine is set up. Just added the rope sling that domino dave was talking about. Not sure if there is anything I could do to improve on it any ideas would be helpful
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Post by smelter metro on Mar 21, 2016 10:46:06 GMT -6
yes net layout durring the pull is important, we had pull after pull were you could feel the fish darting and hitting you, never stay in the net
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Post by dominodaves on Mar 21, 2016 11:42:03 GMT -6
Your set up looks good. I use about 5' of pipe or so.
One thing I will say about setups. They are all just a little bit different. But the common denominator that everyone needs to attain is good contact on the bottom with the bottom of your net. Some folks pull too fast and allow a gap to develop and a place for the smelt to escape and get poor results. Going slower is almost always better. Make a nice u-shape while pulling and going slower doesn't spook the fish as much and is less likely to make them try to escape before it's too late. Then there needs to be a bit of technique at the shore. If you have a pocket in your net it's much easier. But if your net is flat, then you have to flatten your net out at shore and scoop your net bottom 1st out of the water so you don't lose most of them at the last 2nd. That takes a bit of team work and a few tries to master, but it's not hard.
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Post by jg010682 on Mar 21, 2016 13:20:59 GMT -6
Thanks for the info hopefully dominodaves sling will help keep us from tiring out so easily was alot of work last year but it was worth it can't wait to get the net back n the water
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Post by shredder on Mar 21, 2016 17:30:39 GMT -6
Rivers at full flow
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Post by dominodaves on Mar 22, 2016 13:12:35 GMT -6
Well folks, I said that the weather can mess things up sometimes. The rivers are maxed out right now from the recent storm. And they had some serious waves too! Can you imagine trying to smelt in these waves! This pic was taken during the big storm up there this week. Yes, this is the break wall area!
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Post by yammaddogg on Mar 22, 2016 19:21:33 GMT -6
Im ordering my seine can i get some opinions on treated vs. Untreated one reliable source said its a waste to buy treated
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Mar 23, 2016 7:33:51 GMT -6
Saint Louis bay opened up the other day and the seagulls are back. Unless a big change in forecast, I'm guessing mid-April. Exciting!
I have a white untreated Christiansen (seems like they are getting more expensive btw) and I haven't had any problems with it.
Cool setup. I might have to try a sling this year.
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Post by yammaddogg on Mar 23, 2016 10:53:30 GMT -6
Thanks Captain a bit iff topic any news on people fishin the rivers for steely since that storm
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Twin cities comercal harvestr
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Post by Twin cities comercal harvestr on Mar 23, 2016 15:10:02 GMT -6
I have both dipped nets and undipped..all the dip amounts to is dipping in 100% latex paint.then hang to dry..the bad it will be slightly brittle and pull slightly harder..it will protect from sun etc...and will add some protection to wear..I would do it.not worth it,you will still tear net just as easily..I spent grand on one and tore it in several spots on rocky spot..
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