here is a clip from my website blog that may help some of the new guys up at the lake for identifying spawning fish:
"if you do catch fish on beds or hook one inadvertently, make sure you put it back close to its nest so it can go back to doing what it’s gotta do. if you are not sure if the fish is spawning there are a couple of ways to tell. the spawning male will often times have that trademark bump on their head, the size will vary (as many male parts do) from a slight welt to a vein popping growth on the older, larger fish. spawning fish will also display more mottled black blotches that i call their “summer colors”. some will have shredded fins from making their nests. their fins will also be more bright orange than at other times. as the season goes on many will have hook holes in their mouths from being caught. if you catch one like this go into the spot where you cast your line and you will probably be able to see the nest and the fishes mate. "
clay.
craig with a two pounder.
