Nightstalker Apprication Night - A Chatty Get Together 6-23-2012
Post By: dmccull2000 Posted: 6/15/2012 1:00:20 PM Points: 258
There is a bunch of us walleye guys that decided to put together an evening of fishing fun in recognition to Nightstalker and all that he has contributed in putting us on the fish we love. At first we were going to make it a private event, but the more we thought about it, we thought it would be great to open it up to everyone so that we could all have a great time, meet other eye guys, and have a night of fishing fun. I spoke with Nightstalker about this and with reluctance, he has agreed to be there. So if you ever wanted to meet him, get some fishing tips, talk about walleye fishing, here is your chance!
Here is what we are planning:
Meet at Chatfield - Massey Draw - 6/23/2012 6:00 PM Grill some burgers and have a good time meeting each other and of course talking fishing.
Fishing 8:30 PM - Split up into groups, going out solo, whatever works for you, but get some fishing in!
Everyone is welcome, be it shore fisherman, tuber, tooner, or boater. If you want to stop by and say hi, feel free! Don't know Nightstalker, no worries, stop by and meet some guys to hit the water with. As Nghtstalker has done with so many of us, it's about sharing the passion.
If you would like more information, feel free to email me at dmccull2000@msn.com. If you would like to bring a dish that would be awesome, but not necessary. If you are bringing something, please post it here so that others know what not to bring. Look forward to meeting you there.
Thanks Dave you guys did not have to do this I really appreciate it!!
Reluctant only in the sense that I dont like the limelight, so dont expect a great speech. lol
You guys that have been struggling or just want to learn come on out everyone is welcome. If we all line the shores after dark someone is bound to hook up.
BBQ and fishing sounds pretty good to me see you all out there!
Hey Nightstalker, in my past thread, I mentioned my boys wanted to meet you, I already had plans to camp and fish Buena Vista that weekend, but we will meet at some point, and if you would like to ride and fish in our meager 14ft boat, which is set up to fish, we would love that too, but the meet part is just as good, so we can say hi face to face with my 2 boys.
Don't trip on your celeb status, it is what is-you need to understand that your hard work and dedication rubs off on others(like teamgr3), it seems that you are so down to earth, that IMO, people in our FXP-fishing community, look up to you, I think its a good thing-we need good role models today, I feel that way about it as you have read in my past threads,I feel I am a stand up dad in those regards-continue success-stay humble you rock....tightlines(it seems your lines are tighter haha).
Reply by: BITE ME Posted: 6/18/2012 10:31:18 AM Points: 5393
A lot of great guys have done great things on this site in fact to many to list so pardon me for asking but why not make it a appreciation night for the many who have made a huge difference on this site? Some times when you place one guy on a pedestal you place to much pressure on them and it a recipe for disaster or back lash.
Reply by: dmccull2000 Posted: 6/18/2012 11:11:47 AM Points: 258
I agree with you, there are some great guys out there that share great information and I do appreciate them all. The hard part is there is very little information on shore fishing for walleyes. Believe me I have looked. There is a ton of information on walleye fishing from boats or bait fishing. This can be very disappointing for a guy that wants to shore fish in a more active sporting method. I was originally only going to have a few guys that I know that like to fish in this method. But, like I stated, I have read many posts where people wanted to meet him because they are interested in grounding and pounding. It is a technique in its own. It takes a ton of endurance and many disappointing nights to get into fish. Nightstalker keeps up motivated to keep going after it.
I honestly do not see anything wrong with it. I am not putting him on a pedestal, but showing appreciation to a guy that has contributed a ton to the shore angler. If you feel it is taking away from others, I am sorry... but, I feel acknowledging a guy is just that and should not reflect on others.
Reply by: dmccull2000 Posted: 6/18/2012 11:47:54 AM Points: 258
That's fine, I have no problem with that. I will never please 100% of the people 100% of the time. Just a fact of life. My mother raised me to be appreciative to those that have done something for me. Just like I post thanks to many people on here for taking me fishing on their boat, giving me a tip, etc. Here is a guy that has done it numerous times for the last couple of fishing seasons, so I am having a BBQ for him. So, if you want to have a burger on me, stop by. It's just the way I am.
Dave - good work on putting this together. I am planning on being there and will plan to bring a pasta salad for the group and a few bags of chips. Once you have some final numbers, throw out a number for us so we know how much to prepare - Andrew
Myself and team +Shore Sniperz+ member Skunkbuster will be down for sure to get some fishing time in with some fellow FXR crew. Good luck to all and see ya there!
Aw shoot! I have plans to be out in Eastern CO for some PD hunting this Saturday. I highly doubt I'll be back in town by 6pm, but if I can make it, I'll drop by with some kind of grub and to meet some of you guys. Sounds like a fun gathering! I'm going out on the lake with Nate on Friday, so that was supposed to be my fishing time for the week, but if I can get some more in, all the better!
LOL! Certainly not always just one day of fishing, but in this case it was a day of fishing (plus cost), a day of hunting, and possibly golf on Sunday... Heh heh.
Reply by: FishingApex Posted: 6/19/2012 11:38:59 AM Points: 180
I am going to be out at chatty sat night as well and would like to meet some fellow FXR guys. I'm not very good at fishing as I really only use bait but I would like to try and learn new ways to fish. I hope to see you guys out there.
im was planning to fish that evening gonna be in the area. where exactlly u all meeting?? (its been awhille since ive been up to chatty) it would be awsume to meet abunch of fellow fishers.
One thing I did forget to mention, I don't believe I have ever caught a walleye before so I don't even know what kind of lures or anything like that that I'm going to need. Could someone, anyone point me in the right direction.
Hey GoNe_FiShIn_11, Right now we are meeting at Massey Draw at 6:30 on Saturday. Please check back in case the location changes. We may have to move to another area of the lake due to numbers. I will get ahold of the rangers before hand.
FishingApex, Here is an article NightStalker put together on fishing walleye from shore: [log in for link] It will show you all the different methods and items used. I mainly use minnow baits and swim baits. You can never go wrong with a bomber long a. If you don't have time to get one, I am sure I can lend you a bait or two to get you started.
Count me in, but I'll likely be a bit late. I will do my best to be there nlt 8pm.
Fwiw, from shore I have had better luck on the Dynamic lures HD XXL stickbaits the last few weeks versus Bomber Long A's (in particular, the Ghost Trout pattern). Unusual, I know.
Thanks for the link dmccull2000. I am headed out to pick up some of the lures that were mentioned in that article. Hopefuly i won't be too much of a rookie at fishing lures but I have only tried them a couple of times and never had any luck with them. Maybe it's my retrieve or something. I hope to learn a lot of stuff from anyone willing to help me out.
Wow you guys quite a line-up, I thank you all for your participation, look forward to visiting/fishing with everyone. Many of you guys have caught SOME BIG WALLEYE, its been a good year for big fish. We will have to do something for the Fall big eye bite. The weather is going to be hot, be prepared, and stay hydrated. See you there!
Reply by: dmccull2000 Posted: 6/20/2012 9:52:35 AM Points: 258
FishingApex, Most of are rookies at this but some of us are starting to get into some decent fish. I am sure you are going to find out everyone is willing to help each other out.
Skunkbait, Glad your coming, see you there!
Nightstalker, thanks for the heads up on the heat, it is going to be a HOT ONE!
Reply by: nightangler Posted: 6/20/2012 10:07:23 AM Points: 1278
I wish I could make it up your way to meet everyone and pay some homage to a fellow night oriented shore fisherman that has done a ton of work to help his fellow fisherman out in James (hope its ok to call you by name, we have never met) but I wont be able to make it up there.
Since I wont be able to be there: James a.k.a. Nightstalker, thank you very much for all you have shared with the FXR community. Before I became a member on this site last year I never thought Walleye was a worth while species to target here in Colorado (I was spoiled by Canada). Thank you for showing me the light in the dark. I have taken the vast amount of knowledge you have provided and have landed at least 1 eye down at P-lo every weekend since the beginning of March after not landing a single one fishing there every weekend last summer from June - August. You may not like the limelight, but you are one that is deserving of it, if only for 1 night.
Have a great time guys!! Hopefully there will be another opportunity to meet up with everyone. I am planning on making it up that way for the next Aurora All Night event so perhaps that will be the time but who knows...
Reply by: Animaal Posted: 6/21/2012 7:58:03 AM Points: 0
I"m new to the "eyes" but would def love to meet and greet, get to know the fellas and soak up as much knowledge as possible. Being in the Marines it's aways good to meet great people and build a common bond which we have "FISHING". #StreeetBassinInc.
Reply by: badcoyotee Posted: 6/21/2012 8:17:04 AM Points: 6
BTW, I'm going to do something really cheezy. I'll pick up a pack of those 'Hello, Name Is......" stickers and a sharpie. Sounds like we are going to have a good turn-out of fishexplorers. Nightstalker doesn't get one though. I'm sure we'll all remember which one HE is in the crowd!
Called up Chatty today and they say we are good to go! The massy draw area is first come first served, but they said we can setup some tables if needed. I will bring a table in case. If you can and have one, bring a chair, most likely on the weekend, the picnic table will be gone. Went out last night with Jesse, just to make sure there still fish out there and caught a couple19 inches. Jesse hooked up with a nice one, 23 inches.
Look forward to seeing you all out there!
1.dmccull2000(Dave) 2.Nightstalker 3.sharkbite 4.Coloradomrg 5.jman 6.fishnfoolio/pasta salad,chips 7.droptine/Skunkbuster 8.Really old guy(sorry Bud)?? LOL IceFishingFool, with some XXLs. 9.badcoyotee/potato for 30 10.Bald Weasel+girlfriend/side dish or drinks 11.FishingApex/watermelon 12. Shorecastn 13. River_FlyFisher 14. Jesse 15.Donte 16. skunkbait 17. kwo 18. Mark 19. Animaal
Nice work boys. I'm gonna text Jesse and tell him to start smiling in his fish pictures. I don't buy that he is that tough lol
1.dmccull2000(Dave) 2.Nightstalker 3.sharkbite--Good for a table, chairs and beer I guess 4.Coloradomrg 5.jman 6.fishnfoolio/pasta salad,chips 7.droptine/Skunkbuster 8.Really old guy(sorry Bud)?? LOL IceFishingFool, with some XXLs. 9.badcoyotee/potato for 30 10.Bald Weasel+girlfriend/side dish or drinks 11.FishingApex/watermelon 12. Shorecastn 13. River_FlyFisher 14. Jesse 15.Donte 16. skunkbait 17. kwo 18. Mark 19. Animaal
Reply by: cerd Posted: 6/22/2012 8:12:31 AM Points: 548
How late are we going to fish?
If the wife lets me I'll go - she hasn't been too happy with my 9pm to 3am forays but hey it's when the fish are out but since it's a meet and we are new to the area - count me in.
Reply by: Animaal Posted: 6/22/2012 9:06:36 AM Points: 0
Before Saturday can someone supply me with a quick list of possible lures/bait that I might need to have for arriving. Please be specific as I'm 'truly" new to walleye fishing. :) I was hoping to bring Ư if possible. I think that fish fry will be GREAT. Do you need me to bring anything for that. Thanks StreetBassinInc.
Reply by: cerd Posted: 6/22/2012 9:19:12 AM Points: 548
Left towards the dam, you'll go over a small bridge and turnoff on the right (or vicea versa cant remember for sure) then it will be your next right, down an embankment.
Reply by: cerd Posted: 6/22/2012 9:24:48 AM Points: 548
Animaal. I usually fish live shiners from a tube, but you have to be into the school (walleye school up and corner baitfish in my limitied experience). I personally have used an ultralight with 4lb mono a splitshot and an 18" fluoro leader with a #6 hook and splitshot and landed a 26" on it (that was fun).
But its all about finding them, and once you're into them it's on. Waders are good to have from shore and a longer rod (7ft), a tube is always good. A Headlamp (not a cheap coleman).
I am still learning, other guys can give you better advice just my 2c.
Closest shop to Chatfield is Discount Tackle on Santa Fe off by Evans. They have live bait etc and are open until 6pm, great guys.
Reply by: badcoyotee Posted: 6/22/2012 9:28:28 AM Points: 6
Animmal,
Scroll up for info on lures. Nightstalker has a tremendous link somewhere up there for you to look at.
After you go thru the main gate: At the first stop sign go Left. Follow the road for about 3 minutes (don't speed) and you'll see the little brown Massey Draw sign on your Right hand side. It's a quick little turn down a short gravel road to the parking lot.
You should see a bunch of happy fisherman near the water's edge.
If that doesn't get you there, call me. I'll talk you in.
Reply by: dmccull2000 Posted: 6/22/2012 11:07:35 AM Points: 258
badcoyotee, good idea, I can keep my grill there until I leave a midnight snack is always good!
FishingApex, IF you can bring another table, that would be awesome!
gotabite, River_FlyFisher, Milehighfishing glad you can make it. It is going to be great meeting so many Walleye guys. My wife and sons are also planning on coming.
cerd and JCricket, hope to see you out there! Cerd, dont think there will be a set time to stop, but if we do a midnight fish fry we can meet up again then. On average I fish until about 2AM.
Animaal here is the link to Nightstalkers article [log in for link] It has a list of techniques and lures. Personally, I would recommend Bomber long As and rattling rouges. If you can get into some deep water (off float tube or riprap), husky jerks and xraps work well. Shad patters (black to silver, purple to silver, blue to silver) and perch patterns (green to orange) have been good colors for me. My goto lure is a Tennessee shad husky jerk 4.5 inches long. You are more than welcome to borrow a few lures for the event and see what you like. Each guy tends to get his favorite.
Here is a link to Google maps that gives directions to the site from C470 https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=39.552856,-105.085722&daddr=39.5403143,-105.0890634+to:39.554337,+-105.076537&hl=en&ll=39.552352,-105.080988&spn=0.011217,0.013926&sll=39.544691,-105.087061&sspn=0.011219,0.013926&geocode=FViHWwId5oS8-Q%3BFVpWWwId2Xe8-SkRyouHSHxrhzFSiRgqb1En1A%3BFSGNWwIdx6i8-Q&t=h&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=16&via=1&z=16.
PS. The map overshoots the parking lot turnoff. I thought it would show it turning into the parking lot. Instead it is on the street. It is the parking lot just south of the stopping point on the road.
One item that I completely forgot about was paper plates, forks, spoons and cups. I know some people were asking what they could bring. If someone could bring these items, that would be great. If not, I can pick some up on the way on Saturday.
Hey guys i wanna come along for the fun. Do i need to get my boat inspected with no motor or trailer? Also can i put it in the ponds? It is a hand launch.
I am bringing Watermelon, and I have a bunch of paper plates from Costco, so I can bring some of those as well.
I just checked, and the Jeffco charcoal ban is nominally West of C-470, but if the park is specifically not allowing charcoal, then we'll need some people to bring propane grills. Unfortunately, I do not have a portable one.
Do we have enough people bringing meat?
Also, whoever it was who said they would be bringing name tags - I think that is a great idea!!!
1.dmccull2000(Dave) 2.Nightstalker 3.sharkbite 4.Coloradomrg 5.jman 6.fishnfoolio/pasta salad,chips 7.droptine/Skunkbuster 8.Really old guy(sorry Bud)?? LOL IceFishingFool, with some XXLs. 9.badcoyotee/potato for 30 10.Bald Weasel+girlfriend/side dish or drinks 11.FishingApex/watermelon 12. Shorecastn 13. River_FlyFisher (Watermelon and plates) 14. Jesse 15.Donte 16. skunkbait 17. kwo 18. Mark 19. Animaal 20. Gotabite + wife and son/chips and pop 21. Milehighfishing 22. cerd? 23. JCricket? 24.
Reply by: dmccull2000 Posted: 6/23/2012 10:55:52 AM Points: 258
Hi River_FlyFisher, Sorry just read your post, thanks for grabbing plates as well. I will be bringing a fairly large grill with propane to do burger and hotdogs on. If anyone would like to use (cook fish, a steak, whatever) feel free. Thanks also for watermelon. No BBQ is complete without it!
Reply by: lewdog Posted: 6/23/2012 11:34:44 AM Points: 691
I will be there. I dont know how to cut paste n copy so is there anything else i need to bring? It will be me n one buddy. Be there before to get on a few giant smallies.
Came out early to chatty to hang with the family at the swim beach and drove by massy draw and they had it blocked off and a sign that says lot full. Hopefully it won't be that way later tonight
I hate that I missed this. I hope you all are catching a lot of great fish, and having a good time. I Didn't even get to go fishing... The waldo canyon fire is close enough we were across the street from a voluntary evac area. I'd rather be fishing for sure!!
Reply by: Bald Weasel Posted: 6/23/2012 10:29:13 PM Points: 35
It was great to get out and meet everyone. Thanks Dave for organizing and cooking, and thanks James for the goodie bad and for all the help with your many posts. There are a lot of fisherman in debt to your knowledge. Good luck all with all your fishing adventures. Don't be afraid to say "hi" if you see us out. Tight Lines!
Reply by: cerd Posted: 6/24/2012 4:34:20 AM Points: 548
Was great to get out and meet everyone. Our pontoon, tube and kayak navy was a lot of fun. Even though I was lost at sea for about 30 mins drifting trying to untangle a bunch of crap (note: get more experience with braided line before you use it). Lets do it often, Chatty is all I fish. We should do a a once a month get together.
Reply by: Nightstalker Posted: 6/24/2012 9:14:17 AM Points: 4799
Dave I thank you and your wife for your efforts, and everyone for your participation. It was very nice meeting a bunch of new anglers, and hearing your excitement about catching walleye. We will have to do this annually, but in recognition of the only true Nightstalker>>> the great Walleye!! Dave and I talked about having a gathering both in the Spring and the Fall.
I would like to get a list of #'s from you guys that fish Chatty regular for walleye. We will network, and share what,where, when, why, how to narrow down time and effort. This would be a great help for an OG with a deteriorating back/shoulder. Let me know if you would like to participate in the Nightstalking Network. This will be about helping each other and others catch eyes. Thanks to you all once again, good luck out there, and keep plugging away!!
Reply by: dmccull2000 Posted: 6/24/2012 11:42:58 AM Points: 258
Man it was nice to put some names to faces and meeting you all. Thanks for coming! We will have to do this again soon. What do you all think of a fall get together for some night fishing? It was great talking fishing with so many of you. If any of you would like to go fish, feel free to contact me at dmccull2000@msn.com and I will shoot you my phone number or you can shoot me yours. I had a blast, did not get into any fish last night, but they will be there next time.
