Fish Premium Location & Pay Yearly Or Fish Good Public Lakes 2024
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
I I was curious would you fish a premium location that has 18 lakes/ponds that's manged well? Or fish above average public fishing lakes? Keep in mind the premium fishing has a premium price of 900.00 a year.. I fished this place quit a bit but when did fish it I was only paying 250.00 now it's under new owners and has cleaned the trashy people out of there run down mobile homes and fixed all the roads and boat ramps. There is some huge huge fish in these waters. Here are a few pictures of what is to offer..
Choporoz reply :
I don't think I could do it. I had the same negative vibes run down my spine as when I last contemplated a managed pheasant hunt. I don't begrudge those that do it, but it has little appeal to me.
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
On 5/8/2014 at 3:00 AM, Choporoz said:I don't think I could do it. I had the same negative vibes run down my spine as when I last contemplated a managed pheasant hunt. I don't begrudge those that do it, but it has little appeal to me.
I hear ya. I have paid to fish before at this place only and like i said it was only 250.00 and the crappie are as big as the bass. But 900.00 is steep to me thats why i made a post wondering whta others do. I am very lucky to have tons of public fishing around me. But for instance sunday when i went the boats were lined up waiting to fish the same spots and i am tired of the crowds i mean i sht you not there must of been 20 or so boats ln a line working the same banks the pressure is out of this world and i spent 8 hrs on the water and caught all of 0 bass. switched to crappie put structure scan on and drove around till i found some structre and caught some crappie. Just not one bass and i tried everything i had in my bag..
stk reply :
Being in IL, overcrowding kind of comes with the territory. I am not sure where in IL you are, but up near Chicago, it can get pretty rough. I do a lot of fishing out in the suburbs for a couple of reasons. There is less population density and the ponds/lakes out there that are pretty nice and hold nice fish. I wouldn't mind fishing the managed fishery one time, but that price is pretty steep. I would imagine managing a fishery that holds big fish like that isn't cheap either. Part of the fun of fishing is figuring out a pattern, and even at the managed fishery you have to figure it out as well. If they allow you to split the cost, maybe share the membership with a few other guys?
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
On 5/8/2014 at 5:20 AM, stk said:Being in IL, overcrowding kind of comes with the territory. I am not sure where in IL you are, but up near Chicago, it can get pretty rough. I do a lot of fishing out in the suburbs for a couple of reasons. There is less population density and the ponds/lakes out there that are pretty nice and hold nice fish. I wouldn't mind fishing the managed fishery one time, but that price is pretty steep. I would imagine managing a fishery that holds big fish like that isn't cheap either. Part of the fun of fishing is figuring out a pattern, and even at the managed fishery you have to figure it out as well. If they allow you to split the cost, maybe share the membership with a few other guys?
I agree.. no splitting the cost. And its a extra 100.00 for entire family but that includes tent camping. Lol what a bargain.
jhoffman reply :
cheaper than a deer lease, by a long shot
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
On 5/8/2014 at 6:52 AM, jhoffman said:cheaper than a deer lease, by a long shot
Yes sir.. I have endless land to deer hunt. But yes way cheaper then adeer lease around here.
jhoffman reply :
Im exactly the opposite. I live in an area with lots of public land to hunt but its not great. Less than a 1000 yards from my front door is a stocked stream that in the summertime holds smallmouth. Ten miles down the road I have a man made flood control impoundment that has mediocre bass fishing at the moment. A mile away, one of the best native trout streams in the state. 20 mins, a lake so full of flipping material you could flip all day and never hit it all. Decent smaller motor lakes within an hour... you get my point, endless fishing.
My passion is split equal between turkey hunting, deer hunting and bass fishing. I guess I am blessed to do it all but id trade a little of the turkey hunting and a little of the bass fishing for a little more deer.
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
I couldnt agree more with you.. Its not that i dont have great fishing granite it is public and hammered hard on the weekend. But if i take a day of work and go during the week its dead out there.. I have 1200 hundered acres privite tember to hunt there is only 4 of us that hunt it. I also have a spot thats 5 minutes from the front door only 100 acres but it borders heavily hunted public ground. Perfect spot. But i do have trail cams on every stand cause there some major tree stealing idiots out there.. Whole nother subject in its self..
Scott F reply :
I've spent $3,000 to go on a one week fishing trip. $900 for a year's worth of good fishing on unpressured lakes is a good deal to me. It all depends on how much you can afford. If you played golf, a year's green fees is more than $900. If you were paying for a nice boat, your payments would be more than $900 a year. Some guys can only afford $50 rods, some guys $500 rods. If $900 is more than you can afford, fish the public lakes.
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
On 5/8/2014 at 10:23 AM, Scott F said:I've spent $3,000 to go on a one week fishing trip. $900 for a year's worth of good fishing on unpressured lakes is a good deal to me. It all depends on how much you can afford. If you played golf, a year's green fees is more than $900. If you were paying for a nice boat, your payments would be more than $900 a year. Some guys can only afford $50 rods, some guys $500 rods. If $900 is more than you can afford, fish the public lakes.
It's not more than I can afford.. It's more of the fact I do have great fishing for free if it's during the week. And at 900 that's almost 2 rods and a real. Considering my rigs are around 650.00 a piece.. That's what's eating at me more than anything..
A-Jay reply :
If your particular financial situation is such that you would spend this money on something else anyway, I'd get the membership to the managed area.
With 18 different bodies of water to chose from, that's $50 bucks a pond per year. If you fish each one 5 times in a season, that's $10 buck per fishing trip.
Before doing the math the $900 up front sounds like a lot; but after looking at it this way, you might realize that it's really not that much.
My one question (and hope for you) is, does the management sell / offers a LIMITED number of memberships ?
And if so, how many ?
Another thought in advance of making your purchase is to go there, and get permission to check the most popular areas out when it's the busiest or when you'd be going and see what it's like. Also if there are "hour of operation" or is it a 24 hr deal. I say this because I like to fish at night.
Good Luck and let us know what you decide.
A-Jay
Brian Needham reply :
On 5/9/2014 at 3:10 AM, A-Jay said:. If you fish each one 5 times in a season, that's $10 buck per fishing trip.
A-Jay
very true......and at public ramps you may have to pat that to launch anyways so it all evens out.
Based on the pictures alone, I am buying into the managed area everytime.
also, see if they will break the $900 into 3 installments so it will not sting as bad.
the only real drawback and question I have is: Do you have open water 12 months a year?
A-Jay reply :
On 5/9/2014 at 3:31 AM, Brian Needham said:very true......and at public ramps you may have to pat that to launch anyways so it all evens out.
Based on the pictures alone, I am buying into the managed area everytime.
also, see if they will break the $900 into 3 installments so it will not sting as bad.
the only real drawback and question I have is: Do you have open water 12 months a year?
Even if he doesn't - I'd still do it.
Especially if I could get in there after dark.
A-Jay
tbone1993 reply :
Whats the name of the place? My friend has some land and hes got 15 or so ponds stocked with different species of fish.
stk reply :
I'd be interested in a field trip....
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
On 5/9/2014 at 3:10 AM, A-Jay said:If your particular financial situation is such that you would spend this money on something else anyway, I'd get the membership to the managed area.
With 18 different bodies of water to chose from, that's $50 bucks a pond per year. If you fish each one 5 times in a season, that's $10 buck per fishing trip.
Before doing the math the $900 up front sounds like a lot; but after looking at it this way, you might realize that it's really not that much.
My one question (and hope for you) is, does the management sell / offers a LIMITED number of memberships ?
And if so, how many ?
Another thought in advance of making your purchase is to go there, and get permission to check the most popular areas out when it's the busiest or when you'd be going and see what it's like. Also if there are "hour of operation" or is it a 24 hr deal. I say this because I like to fish at night.
Good Luck and let us know what you decide.
A-Jay
Yes limited number of passes and that number was 200 before. I didnt think to ask what it is now. I know from fishing it the last few years that wheni went on the weekend i hardly ever saw anybody on any of the lakes. But befor there was lots of trashy people out there and the lane back in was shizzy as the boat ramps as well. there were a few times i had to another truck pull me and my trailer out of the water cause it was so rutted up i just couldnt get up them. all of this is supposed to be fixed they offered to show the grounds and take me on a tour. The lakes are strip pits they are deep 80ft on average and the water is cristal clear you can see close to 20 ft down in some spots. Last year i sat and watched some pigs on there beds about 10 to 15 ft down. I mean lunkers for around here at least. This is some of the best fishing and i have no doubt that when they sell there allot meant its gonna be tough to get in cause you will have to wait till someone drops out. And with the fish in there and the management there gonna be doing it is gonna be a premiere spot. I have done much debate but i think i am gonna do it so i can have a spot. The fishing is gated and 24/7 plus there is icefishing allowed. And waterfowl hunting in the winter. Which i will need to see what that does for the fishing restrictions if any. the membership cost does not include hunting. Thats more. They are building cabins and allowing campers this place is gonna take off for sure.. Just need to take a look around and se the progress they have made. The other thing for me is this place is 50 minute drive and thats more gas to get there and back. I drive rite by my favorite place to fish on the way. choices choices
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
Update just talked to the owners again. Fishing is 24/7 the season is March 1st to October 31st then waterfowl starts. But there will be ice fishing days for fishing members. They are only selling 50 fishing memberships. And the campers are allowed to fish and as of rite now there are 65 camperss. So what's your thoughts?
Brian Needham reply :
I still say buy in....
if you have the extra income, it sounds like a great set up to me.
A-Jay reply :
On 5/9/2014 at 9:55 PM, AbuCroixGuy said:Update just talked to the owners again. Fishing is 24/7 the season is March 1st to October 31st then waterfowl starts. But there will be ice fishing days for fishing members. They are only selling 50 fishing memberships. And the campers are allowed to fish and as of rite now there are 65. So what's your thoughts?
I guess you need to decide what your priorities are as far as your fishing is concerned.
Some thoughts that come to my mind are:
Is fishing is waters that provide the possibility of larger bass important or can you be satisfied with the public waters dink fest ?
Do you prefer fishing on less pressured waters & in solitude (or at least something less than the Public Lake Circus) ?
If it was me - I'd be casting there right now.
A-Jay
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
On 5/9/2014 at 10:11 PM, A-Jay said:I guess you need to decide what your priorities are as far as your fishing is concerned.
Some thoughts that come to my mind are:
Is fishing is waters that provide the possibility of larger bass important or can you be satisfied with the public waters dink fest ?
Do you prefer fishing on less pressured waters & in solitude (or at least something less than the Public Lake Circus) ?
If it was me - I'd be casting there right now.
A-Jay
Can you elaborate a little more as to why you would do it.. You made some good points in the post above. The thing is the public fishing is not full of drinks by any means it has some real nice fish. It's just heavily fished cause people no there are lurkers in there.. I didn't mention this before but I've always had a hard time catching fish at the membership place. I'm just not used to fishing such clear water or just don't know what the heck I'm doing wrong... Thanks for your time.
A-Jay reply :
On 5/9/2014 at 11:02 PM, AbuCroixGuy said:Can you elaborate a little more as to why you would do it.. You made some good points in the post above. The thing is the public fishing is not full of drinks by any means it has some real nice fish. It's just heavily fished cause people no there are lurkers in there.. I didn't mention this before but I've always had a hard time catching fish at the membership place. I'm just not used to fishing such clear water or just don't know what the heck I'm doing wrong... Thanks for your time.
Sure - for me, fishing in waters that provide the possibility of larger bass is important.
I Do you prefer fishing on less pressured waters & in solitude.
Also I think I'm in a different situation than you in as much as I live in a pretty rural area and the lakes I fish do not get much pressure. However I do travel to places to fish that have much bigger bass than I have here.
So if I could have the best of both worlds less than an hour away - I'd do it.
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
Is this an annual membership fee? When the owner/manager decides to sell another 50 memberships next year and the year after do you have any say so? There are other options out there like deeded memberships although finding any up for sale might be difficult.
Here's my take. I've been fishing the same public waterway for the last 10 years or so deviating maybe once or twice a year. This year, I've made a list of 12 lakes within a 1.5hr drive that I'd like to fish. I'm going to attempt to hit one every 2 weeks. I believe this will be beneficial to me as a fisherman to gain knowledge of how other lakes fish. I think fishing the same body of water for so long has caused me to get complacent. I motor around with a ton of gear I never use with electronics I can't fully use because I fish a shallow mudhole with little structure. I took up walleye fishing last year because of some health issues I'm experiencing and flipping or casting for bass all day is something I have great difficulty doing. This has opened my eyes to what else is out there. Not so much the walleye per say, but the information available on new bodies of water thru my electronics. Locating structure and cover(other than boat docks) I'm learning deep water jigging, ledge fishing, jig presentation in heavy current, also finding and fishing drop-offs, river channels, and humps. All of this "new" information will benefit me no matter what species I target. Prior to getting hurt I made an annual trip to many southern "trophy" bass lakes. KY Lake, G'ville, Toho, Santee Cooper, Bull Shoals, Table Rock and so on. Each one of these lakes fishes differently yet all have similarities. None are structureless mudholes that I am accustomed to. Toho was the only one that fished similar to my lake because its shallow, and I couldn't catch anything but pickerel LOL. For me, the older I become, fishing is more about the hunt than the prize, although the prize is nice. The more knowledge I can gain, the better hunter I become. Limiting myself to one waterway is not something I want to do anymore because it has limited me as a fisherman.
einscodek reply :
I prefer a good challenge at a public waterway.. esp if it above average..
What is bass fishing without the challenge?
I personally wouldn't do it anymore..
Once in a while maybe a stop at one of thez managed fisheries to release pent up frustration if you have any but again the challenge is where its at..
I feel especially rewarded when fishin a body of water where everyone is saying theres no fish in there.. and landin' a big one!
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
Very Very good points from everyone.. The 50 members are annual you get first dibs for the following year by putting half down in October. They said they are starting with 50 and gonna see what it's like may be more next year. They assured me all membership fees are going to stocking the ponds/lakes.
This what they sent me
T It is intensively managed by Herman Brothers Lake and Land Management and boasts 52 named lakes and ponds with more than 250 acres of water!
Whether you are an Avid Fly-fisherman, Trophy Muskie Angler, Catch & Release Bass Master, on the quest for Boone 'n Crocket Panfish, need to fill a cooler for a Fish Fry, or just simply want to spend time with your family fishing, we have the exact fishery for you!
Our Crystal-Clear Deep Lakes with submerged islands are perfect for Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout; our Shad-filled fertilized lakes are set up for Trophy Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, and Walleye; our Specialty ponds are producing Monster Bluegill, Slab Crappie, and Jumbo Yellow Perch; our Catfish and Hybrid Bluegill ponds are great for kids and fish fry's; and our Trout stocking program is producing the fattest Largemouth Bass in the entire Midwest!
Here are some brief descriptions for our Main Lakes with Boat Ramps:
Giant Goose Lake: 121 surface acres
Extremely deep and crystal clear with visibility 15-20' All Year, weeds growing down to 40', many submerged islands, max depth 81', over 2.5 miles long with 6.5 miles of shoreline. There is a 22 acre sanctuary on the North end of the lake that is a No Fishing Zone.
Main Species:
Trophy Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Big Bluegill
Ski Lake: 24 surface acres
Extremely deep and crystal clear with visibility 15-20' All Year, vegetation mainly along the shorelines, mostly open water, 1.4 miles long with 3 miles of shoreline, max depth is 62' deep. There is a swimming beach on the west end of the lake. Key note is to remove all Largemouth Bass under 18" for 2014.
Main Species:
Brown Trout, Hybrid Striped Bass, Redear/Bluegill Hybrids, Big Crappie
Spool Lake: 22 surface acres
Heavily Fertilized lake with average 2-4' of visibility during Spring, Summer, and Fall. 1.6 miles long with 3.5 miles of shoreline. Submerged gravel road that crosses the lake near the center, Gizzard Shad forage base, max depth 65'
Main Species:
Tiger Muskie, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Good Bluegill and Giant Crappie.
High Rise Lake: 12 surface acres
Crystal clear water year-round and perfect for scuba diving with the old mining debris and submerged flooded structures. Max depth is 35' and visibility is 20'+ year-round. A lot of bottom contour and weeds growing down to 25' in places. Key Notes are mandatory removal of all largemouth bass and bluegill from this lake.
Main Species:
Smallmouth Bass, Jumbo Yellow Perch, Crappie
Bo's Lake: 10 surface acres
Heavily Fertilized with visibility 2-5' most of the year. Currently taking all fish out of this lake for 2014 and killing it off at the end of the year. Max depth 21'. Good trees for structure along shorelines. Planning on creating the ultimate crappie lake with a cutting-edge stocking plan geared for a mix of trophy arkansas black nose and slab minnesota black crappies. Walleyes and Hybrid Striped bass will be the predators.
Main Species:
Currently the lake is full of flathead and channel catfish, small bluegills, normal largemouth bass, and some really nice crappies. They all must go, so plan on filling your coolers! Once restocked, the goal is to have 12-15" crappies in 3 years.
Gizzard Shad Lake: 9 surface acres
Shallow and weedy with max depth of 21'. Full of Gizzard Shad as well as many fat and happy Largemouth Bass. A lot of islands, humps, peninsulas, and flats.
Main Species:
Largemouth Bass and adding Northern Pike in 2014.
Campground Lakes and Ponds:
Most of the campsites are lake-front and the campsites sit along the banks of 15 different lakes and ponds. These ponds all have various species of fish stocked in them and you just never know what you will catch while fishing from the banks or from your private dock.
The Specialty Lakes and Ponds:
There are smaller lakes and ponds tucked back into the 4 corners of the property and all the nooks and crannies in between. Many of these lakes are in the process of being killed out and started over with specialty fish such as Bowfin, Alligator and Shortnose Gar, Redbreasted and Longear Sunfish, Carp, Blue Catfish, Yellow Perch, Hybrid Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, Lake Chubsuckers, Forage Minnows, and many other oddball species of fish.
Truly a Fisherman's Paradise! We are selling a limited number of annual fishing memberships and with a membership you not only have the opportunity to fish for various trophy fish of a lifetime, but if desired, you can also get hands-on with the management of these fisheries as well! The Giant Goose Ranch encourages family fishing participation and we also have many other amenities like hiking, camping, and swimming to keep your entire family entertained while you take just a few more casts...
All of our lakes are No-Wake Only so you can fish in peace with no worries of jet skiers or high speed boaters ruining your outing. We allow all types of Fishing Boats and Motors, Canoes, Kayaks, Pontoons, and Paddle Boats, but all must be operated at no-wake speeds.
Check out our Fishing Rates for 2014.
Scott F reply :
If the Herman brothers set it up, I'd be first in line to write a check. Those guys know how to manage a lake. Real pros. If I wasn't 4 hours away from there, I'd sign up.
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
can you please elaborate I'm not familiar with them. I'm going today after work to meet with them. They own it and manage it. Thanks for your timeOn 5/10/2014 at 1:02 AM, Scott F said:If the Herman brothers set it up, I'd be first in line to write a check. Those guys know how to manage a lake. Real pros. If I wasn't 4 hours away from there, I'd sign up.
bigbill reply :
I purchased the best bear and deer hunting land in vt. It mainly has the highest numbers of bear kills in the state.
For bass fishing I have the hottest small ponds, small lakes and larger lakes and rivers close to me in my area. I don't need a special place. There all free.
It's not the catch or kill that's the most fun. It's being out there enjoying this awesome wildlife and forests. I see things you don't see at home. Well that's kind of wrong at home I have deer on my land, bears too besides Turkey's. At my camp I have bears, deer, mountainlion, moose and birds.
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
I'm not following what you're trying to point out.On 5/10/2014 at 1:18 AM, bigbill said:I purchased the best bear and deer hunting land in vt. It mainly has the highest numbers of bear kills in the state.
For bass fishing I have the hottest small ponds, small lakes and larger lakes and rivers close to me in my area. I don't need a special place. There all free.
It's not the catch or kill that's the most fun. It's being out there enjoying this awesome wildlife and forests. I see things you don't see at home. Well that's kind of wrong at home I have deer on my land, bears too besides Turkey's. At my camp I have bears, deer, mountainlion, moose and birds.
A-Jay reply :
On 5/10/2014 at 1:18 AM, bigbill said:I purchased the best bear and deer hunting land in vt. It mainly has the highest numbers of bear kills in the state.
For bass fishing I have the hottest small ponds, small lakes and larger lakes and rivers close to me in my area. I don't need a special place. There all free.
It's not the catch or kill that's the most fun. It's being out there enjoying this awesome wildlife and forests. I see things you don't see at home. Well that's kind of wrong at home I have deer on my land, bears too besides Turkey's. At my camp I have bears, deer, mountainlion, moose and birds.
On 5/10/2014 at 2:11 AM, AbuCroixGuy said:I'm not following what you're trying to point out.
He does that sometimes.
A-Jay
Brian Needham reply :
Abucroixguy-
from the description they sent you, this is a no brainer IMO.
It sounds like a FANTASIC place to fish, and multi species to boot!!!!
I would say call today,before 50 other people do!
now granted if you are going to sweat the money then you have to think about it, but man it sounds like a great place to fish.
This comes from my perspective where I drive 2 hours to fish.
stk reply :
Maybe try it for a year and see how you like it? There is something to be said about having a nice place to fish, nothing to worry about, no one to bother you and the people who are there are into it enough to spend the money. I would if I wasn't 4 hrs away.
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
Thanks guys.. I'm going tonight. I have fished there as stated didn't land any of those Hogs I put pictures of. But they are like big bucks they don't get that big being stupid.. But i have to be sure they cleaned the place up and the road and ramps are accessible. But i have 9 crisp 100.00 bills in my pocket.
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
The 50 members are all they are taking so no more till someone drops out. And they said new members after this first batch will pay more.. So I'm doing it. I've blown more then 900.00 on dumber shizzy then this. So atleast I will have a premium fishing and who knows maybe a memory of a lifetime landing one of those Giants..
Brian Needham reply :
the "I spent more on stupider stuff" excuse makes me buy A BUNCH of stuff.
but this is money well spent this time!
post pics of hawgs when you latch on to one!!!
stk reply :
AbuCroixGuy,
Good luck and make the most of your fishing time. It'll be well worth it catching that big ol' sneaky bass!
Nashua Nev reply :
i could not spend that kind of $ on something like that at this stage , not sure i would want to.
Scott F reply :
On 5/10/2014 at 1:16 AM, AbuCroixGuy said:can you please elaborate I'm not familiar with them. I'm going today after work to meet with them. They own it and manage it. Thanks for your time
Have you seen their web site? http://www.hbpondmanagement.com
They also blog on this web site as the Lake Doctor http://www.heartlandoutdoors.com/blogs
A friend of mine who a very good fisherman and guide has fished several of their lakes and is always amazed at the size and numbers of fish of every species that are found in the lakes they manage.
ShimanoDobynsGuy reply :
On 5/10/2014 at 8:05 AM, Scott F said:Have you seen their web site? http://www.hbpondmanagement.com
They also blog on this web site as the Lake Doctor http://www.heartlandoutdoors.com/blogs
A friend of mine who a very good fisherman and guide has fished several of their lakes and is always amazed at the size and numbers of fish of every species that are found in the lakes they manage.
I wasnt aware of them but after meeting them tonight im definatly in. To be honest the place is gonna be great. There is still plenty to do out there but they have a good idea of whats going and the only reason the prices are set at 900 are cause there is some stuff that will not be done till the middle of the summer. And then on its definatly a work in progress and im getting in now while the prices are cheap. There 5 brothers in on it and they are major players in fish management. Regardless Im glad you posted thanks to all of you for pushing me to investigate this a little more. Im sure glad i did..
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