new/mantua help

[JTrowdybass]

Friend of mine led me to this site a few weeks ago and i finally decided to join up. I have a neighbor kid who has autism and would like to get him on some of those fat mantua gills ive seen on here. Ive only fished mantua once and it was on the hard deck. We will be shore fishing. Any suggestions on access and what part of the lake to fish? Not asking for anyones secret spot just looking to get him out and on some fish.
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[CoyoteSpinner]

You'll likely find them all around the shorelines, in shallow - kinda between the gravelly edges, and into the weed pockets. There's reedy spots along the west dike, but I'd almost suggest drive around the north side to the parking area there, then walk south towards the knoll. There's lots of woody areas, but if you can find the pockets between the trees - cast out a worm under bobber, or even pull out them ice jigs.

Could be pretty sure tomorrow will be super nuts (free fishing day). But if your into combat fishing... good luck, welcome to the site.

There is a Mantua Map, don't have it handy, but if you try a search - I know it got reposted recently.

[lavaman]

Fish the west side of the pond. You park right next to the dike and walk up the hill, and fishing areas galore. I was there yesterday and kids were pulling out bluegills and green sunfish by the droves. Less of a hike, convenient, etc.
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[JTrowdybass]

Thanks for the info. We saw tons of gills had a few bites but no fish landed. But all was well with plenty of snakes to keep the youngster happy.
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[futekisenshi]

[quote CoyoteSpinner]You'll likely find them all around the shorelines, in shallow - kinda between the gravelly edges, and into the weed pockets. There's reedy spots along the west dike, but I'd almost suggest drive around the north side to the parking area there, then walk south towards the knoll. There's lots of woody areas, but if you can find the pockets between the trees - cast out a worm under bobber, or even pull out them ice jigs.

Could be pretty sure tomorrow will be super nuts (free fishing day). But if your into combat fishing... good luck, welcome to the site.

There is a Mantua Map, don't have it handy, but if you try a search - I know it got reposted recently.[/quote]

+1

A lot of the time you can see them from the shore as well, they'll be right next to the bank.
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[CoyoteSpinner]

watch out for them snakes. Heard rumor a kid was bit by a "garter snake" that turned out to be a baby rattler, and the babies are worse that the mamas and papas for venom release.

There are sure to be plenty of fun friendly snakes to play with, but - word of caution. Hate to ruin a nice fishing trip with a hospital run!

One of the reasons I suggest the east over the west IS the ease of access. The west side can be fine well and good, but it's also more accessible, and well - that equates to more people. But that's just me.

Here's that map I mentioned. Bites can be real subtle. Small hooks can help - even ice-fishing jigs, you can even double or triple up your offering. Mealworms and waxworms will work, or a very small snippet of crawler.

Might try a slip-bobber if you're missing hooksets. Gives you more direct line contact. It's almost like you have to predict and anticipate the bit sometimes.


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[JTrowdybass]

Thanks for the map and info. I think we will try the east side and fish a little longer next time. Had to cut out a little early for a willard carp tourney. As for the snakes there was no handling involved just some stick poking. Rattlers were the first thing on my mind, hate those things. Dont think he would have picked one up if i allowed him to anyways.
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