He mentioned the Alberto knot. That is the one I use. Sometimes called the "Crazy Alberto". Its easy to tie and is small. Super strong knot. I have not broken one even when I tried. The leader will break first. It calls for 6 to 7 wraps, but you can get away with 5 if a compact knot to get through micro guides is important for your application. Trim the ends close and add a drop of super glue to really secure it and smooth out the ends so it will get through the eyes of the rod easier.

I have also used a small silver swivel about 12 inches up to join the lines. This helps with line twist and I think also may add a bit of attraction to the presentation, maybe making it look like the "shad" or "minnow" is interacting with a small bit of prey.

I did fish this morning and based on Prosise's earlier comments, headed to the island just after sunrise. I was heading to one of the marks I have on my graph but saw the birds working the shad really close to the island. Headed in their direction and caught a nice fish on the first cast. The boat was in 8 fow and I was casting towards the island initially so the fish were shallow. Good fishing for a while and the fish were mostly keeper size with a few shorts mixed in. Before long, the birds and fish moved towards the shore in front of Oak Grove Park. We followed them and it was not long before the bite dropped off. We headed off in search of Crappie so I did not check any of the other spots.

Good reports all, chores and paying the tax man today on 4 items. Hope all have a good week, keep all the reports coming in to help others. Great job to everyone making the grapevine thread a hands down exceptional thread. I really appreciate all the input, and I don't care if you are fishing (off the bank, in a kayak, canoe, or a boat) it all helps others. Hats of to you guys, year is winding down and will be good for a little longer before we wrap this one up with a bow.


Brent Prosise

Get off my spots,

I fished last Thursday night from the bank around the Walnut Grove Trailhead and had no luck. Couple of nibbles was all. Fished Saturday night from the bank at a few spots around Oak Grove and wound up with 9 keeper channel cats using chicken livers and cut bluegill. Tried catching some live bait with my cast net but didn't have any luck. Best day I've had in a really long time. I'll be back at it again Friday night. I was excited to hear the other day that Snakey Lane is finally open again. Looking forward to fishing that side of McPherson Slough again. It's been over a year.