1. Mark Merlin
    - Lake Arthur

    Caught 9 total fish, 5 LM, 1 SM, 2 nice size Crappie, and 1 Bluegill. I missed 4 others though, 3 LM and one SM. Oh well, I'll take it.

    2 lb. 1 oz. 17.0 in. Largemouth Bass with a Chatterbait(Chartreuse)

    1. Mark Merlin 0
      Jeff, I'm really enjoying fishing for Crappie on my light Rod, it's a blast.
    2. Jeff B 0
      That's a good day right there Mark. Variety is the spice of life! 👊
    3. Rick S 0
      Nice Mark!
    4. Mark Merlin 0
      Ty, almost gave up hope today. I missed so many figured it was going to be one of those days.
    5. Jim Holland 0
      Nice bag, Mark!
    6. Drew H 0
      Not a bad day! I am hoping to get a smallie or two this year.
    7. View full conversation
  2. Mark Merlin
    - Lake Arthur

    My PB, so pumped. Just under 5lbs. One of 4 so far and a nice Bluegill.

    5 lb. 22.0 in. Largemouth Bass with a Spinnerbait

    1. Kevin Rafferty 0
      Congrats Mark happy for you buddy !!!
    2. Rob Davidson 0
      NICE!!!!!!
    3. Rob C 0
      Great job Mark!
    4. Jim Holland 0
      😲 Wow! Nice one, Mark!
    5. Mark Merlin 0
      Robert I have work to do. I can't imagine a Bass twice as big as the one I caught today. My Kayak would be going for a ride for sure.
    6. Frank Yamada 0
      nice, PB!
    7. Robert Coleman 0
      For Iowa (Home state) I just got mine over this last winter ice fishing: 6lb 10oz. My Biggest is 12lb 12oz fishing with Capt Morris Campbell in Florida! 😁
    8. Josh Sommerville 0
      Congrats on Pb Mark
    9. Mark Merlin 0
      Ty, Robert, whats your PB for a Largemouth?
    10. Robert Coleman 0
      Awesome fish Mark! Congrats on PB!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
    11. Jeff B 0
      Can't say anything more than AWESOME!!! Great catch Mark. Nice pic Rick.
    12. Tod Fisher 0
      great catch 👍 congrats on the PB
    13. jeff mcelroy 0
      congratulations!
    14. Mike Maze 0
      congrats on your PB !
    15. Mark Merlin 0
      I was psyched that you happened to be close by. Ty for coming over.
    16. Rick S 0
      Thats a great PB Largemouth! Glad I was there to see it.
    17. Mark Merlin 0
      Thanks all, especially to Rick who happened to be near by and snapped the picture.
    18. R Leventry 0
      great fish! Congratulations!
    19. R Leventry 0
      great fish! Congratulations!
    20. Chad Jaco 0
      Congratulations Mark!!
    21. Drew H 0
      Nice one! A great day for being on the lake
    22. J Petey 0
      That’s awesome
    23. J Petey 0
      That’s awesome
    24. Ryan Fasulkey 0
      Nice....
    25. View full conversation
  3. Mark Merlin

    https://countryhookers.com/braidnoleaderfishing/ I'm always looking, reading, learning about Fishing. Lately I've been fishing straight braid. Most say ...more use a leader, Braid spooks the fish. I'm testing that theory. The article makes alot of sense to me. The waters I fish are murky, I don't think using a leader makes a difference. Thoughts????

    1. Ryan Fasulkey 0
      in murky water don't think it makes a difference as far as sight goes. but like Rick points it it could help if your heavy handed on the hook set also I've ...more found if your casting spinners, crank baits or other lures with double trebles into the wind the stiffness of the leader helps to not get tangled on the cast
    2. Mark Merlin 0
      From the article, "IF YOU ARE FISHING STAINED WATERS, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO POINT TO TYING ON A LEADER." Makes sense to me.
    3. Mark Merlin 0
      All I know is, I caught every fish Monday on straight braid, and I missed none. I'm going to keep using it in murky conditions. If I fish clearer water I will ...more use a leader.
    4. Rick S 0
      I like what the article says...It acts as a Shock Absorbed: Most braids have almost no stretch; because of that hook-sets can sometimes be a problem for those who ...more run straight braid. When fishing baits where heavy hook-sets might be a problem, adding a leader can help cushion the direct pressure on the hook, helping you nail those big bass without ripping the hook right out of their mouth.
    5. Mike Maze 0
      Mark,I also struggle with the decision of what line to use... braid, mono, using a leader or not. I say find out what works for you and use it.
    6. View full conversation
  4. Mark Merlin
    - Lake Arthur

    What a day. Caught 6, saw a Black Bear swimming across the Lake, a beautiful sun rise, missed 2 others. Thankful for a day like this, after a few weekends of futility. ...more Thank you Lord for such a day, I can do nothing without you.

    16.0 in. Largemouth Bass with a Spinnerbait

    1. Mark Merlin 0
      Ty Jim, it was really cool to see it.
    2. Jim Holland 0
      Nice catches, Mark! Not messing with that bear though!
    3. Mark Merlin 0
      Thank you
    4. Chad Shirey 0
      Nice Crappie Mark
    5. Jeff B 0
      Amen my friend! Thank you for sharing your day with us!
    6. J Petey 0
      God Bless
    7. J Petey 0
      God Bless
    8. R Leventry 0
      amen brother! Nice catch is a bonus!
    9. Rick S 0
      What a day! Caught them good!
    10. View full conversation
  5. Mark Merlin
    - Glade Run Lake

    One of 9 fish today, all on Light tackle.

    15.0 in. Largemouth Bass with a Rooster Tail

    1. Jim Holland 0
      Sounds like a good day. 🙂👍
    2. Mark Merlin 0
      Nothing big in that lake but caught everything on light and ultra light, was fun.
    3. Rick S 0
      Sounds like a pretty good day!! 👍👍
    4. Jeff B 0
      4 things I learned today. 1. 1st guy on the water catches the first fish. 2. Rooster Tails catch more than Trout 3. Always bring an empty container with you in ...more the kayak. 4. Have a PFD on board for each person or pay the fine. The guys in the Jon Boat had to pay $125 Good morning on the water. Glad to watch you get your "Fish-On"!
    5. Mark Merlin 0
      What a great day on the water. 10 total fish and got to fish Jeff B., super legend lol.
    6. View full conversation
  6. Mark Merlin
    - Lake Arthur

    15.0 in. Largemouth Bass with a Chatterbait

    1. Mark Merlin 0
      Thanks Rick
    2. Rick S 0
      Nice one!
    3. View full conversation
  7. Mark Merlin
    - Lake Arthur

    16.0 in. Largemouth Bass with a Chatterbait

    1. Mark Merlin 0
      Ty, was a beautiful day.
    2. Rick S 0
      Nice!! turned out to be a beautiful day
    3. View full conversation
  8. Mark Merlin
    - Glade Run Lake

    15.0 in. Largemouth Bass with a Chatterbait

    1. Mark Merlin 0
      Im so sorry Jim. Will keep you in my prayers.
    2. Jim Holland 0
      Meh. lost my job. Trying to get out to take my mind off of it.
    3. Rick S 0
      Nice start to the year!
    4. Mark Merlin 0
      Ty Jim, doing ok, how are you?
    5. Jim Holland 0
      Mark, back out and on the board! Good to see ya! Hope you're doing well.
    6. Mark Merlin 0
      Caught 2 total today. 14 and 15 inch, both on Chatterbait
    7. View full conversation
  9. Mark Merlin
    - Lake Arthur

    16.0 in. Largemouth Bass with a Chatterbait

    1. Mark Merlin 0
      You said it Jeff
    2. Jeff B 0
      FISH ON!
    3. Mark Merlin 0
      My son caught two today ..2-1 in his favor...day 2 tomorrow Lord willing.
    4. View full conversation
  10. Mark Merlin

    Anyone going to Moraine tomorrow, could post the water temp please?

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About

I took up fishing again in 2016, and can't think of a better way to spend a morning.

Fishing Favorites

  • Species Bass
  • Waterway Lake Arthur, Glade Run Lake
  • Lure Poppers, Jigs, Spinnerbaits

64 Followers
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59 Catches
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