Fishing in the canals at Fort Wilderness

[trish321 3]

What size hook is best?  We have only rented poles in the past and never paid much attention.  Now the kids have their own poles and want to fish with those.  Thanks!

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Hmm... good question!  I'm sure someone here will have some info to share on what the rental equipment uses, or our resident fishermen will weigh in.

 

If it helps at all (and you haven't seen it already), there's some general fishing info on this page...

http://www.fortfiends.net/_/activities/fishing-r198

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I wish I could answer that question....we fish in the canals but I'm not an avid fisherman (mainly cause I don't have time for it at home) and have no idea what size hooks we have.  I will say that look pretty average to me, and we've caught these with them.  

 

 

My bait of choice is the leftover skin from some Trails End fried chicken.  

[caveat lector 181]

When the kids were smaller, I used some smaller hooks and filed down the barb a little. While there was risk of losing the big fish, it made it easier for the kids to get the fish off the hook without damage and return them to the water. The hooks were about half as wide as a penny. Hot dogs, cheese, and bacon were good bait.

[Travisma 1,317]

Use smaller hooks. Most of your catches will be small panfish, but a small hook can catch a large fish also.

[FunFinder265....Cody 36]

I haven't fished The Fort yet, but I would agree with everyone else. Use a No. 2 or 4 or 6 J hook, take a pair of pliers and pinch down the barb as The Fort is strictly catch and release, and this will assist in the removal of the hook. You can find these hooks at any Wal-Mart that has a sporting goods section. They will generally be the size of the last digit of your thumb or smaller.

 

Cody

[Lou... 3,118]

Busty Cupper had a field day with this question on Voldy.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Busty Cupper had a field day with this question on Voldy.

 

1. Really?
2. I haven't been over there in a while.
3. Why do you still go there?
4. Glutton for punishment?
5. Or just looking for a laugh?

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

 

1. Really?
2. I haven't been over there in a while.
3. Why do you still go there?
4. Glutton for punishment?
5. Or just looking for a laugh?

 

 

You hit that one out of the park.

 

TCD

[Lou... 3,118]

1.Really?

2.I haven't been over there in a while.

3.Why do you still go there?

4.Glutton for punishment?

5.Or just looking for a laugh?

 

 

#5

[ependydad...Doug 176]

I generally prefer a size 10 hook (and use 10-14 for trout fishing). I also completely agree with smashing the barbs down. I've done catch and release exclusively for years- it really helps to not tear up the fish so much.

[Tom 15]

#7  is a good size for anything at the fort

[ftwildernessguy 778]

Forget the hooks and poles. I find a hollow reed, strip down to my nothingness, and wade into that canal until completely submerged. Then I just sits and waits fer the fishes to swim by. When I sees a bigun, I reach out real quick like and snag that sucker! Watch out fer the gators. You may have to wrassle a few to keep yer catch.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Forget the hooks and poles. I find a hollow reed, strip down to my nothingness, and wade into that canal until completely submerged. Then I just sits and waits fer the fishes to swim by. When I sees a bigun, I reach out real quick like and snag that sucker! Watch out fer the gators. You may have to wrassle a few to keep yer catch.

 

I'd be afraid of one of them big catfish latching onto your "hollow reed". 

[Travisma 1,317]

I'd be afraid of one of them big catfish latching onto your "hollow reed". 

Is the hollow reed the noodling part of Catfish Noodling?  :rofl3:

[ftwildernessguy 778]

No noodlin' or giggin' allowed in the 3000 loop.

[~Kristina~ 10]

Thanks for all the info!  My 13 year old has really started to enjoy fishing and takes his pole on every camping trip.  I'll have to remember to crimp the barb.