Moved here late last fall. Looking to get into salmon this year after missing the spring season.
Looking at Okuma SST Carbon 8’6 MH Moderate-Fast paired with stradic 3000 with 20# braid.
Main use will be lures. Spoons, crankbaits, inlines, etc.
My goal is to get something that has some versatility in use. Not a do it all rod by any means. Mostly using the lures mentioned above for a variety of species. In different locations not like the lakefront at all
Not looking to up my reels. This stradic handled its fair share of redfish in Texas. I have no concerns with a salmon.
Any rod recommendations appreciated

I've been using Ned rigs and drop shots in both the river (city rivery walk) and the harbors. I catch more fish in the river, but the bass tend to be way smaller.

I'm starting to get a little bored of fishing Ned rigs and drop shots all the time. The other night I threw a paddle tail on a jig head, which I know is still somewhat finesse but at least lets me fish a little faster, and hooked into a really nice bass. It felt and looked pretty big, but I couldn't confirm because it came unhooked as soon as I tried lifting it out of the water without a net.

I've never actually caught a bass on a moving bait like a chatterbait, so I'm wondering if I'd have a good chance using one in the river or if I should expect my catch rate to drop compared to finesse techniques.

I also usually fish from around 10 AM to 1 PM, so I'm not sure how effective a chatterbait or other moving bait would be during that window. Would I be better off shifting my fishing time closer to dawn or dusk?

And if I'm specifically looking for bigger bass, should I spend more time fishing the harbors instead of the river?

I was wondering what are the best sides and spots to fish for salmon at the government harbor and what to use and what time of day to go, im still new for fishing salmon and couldn't catch any for the last 2 year and want to get some advice on how to catch then and what to look for.

Are there specific areas of the riverwalk that fishing is allowed or is it all open to being fished as long as I’m not getting in the way?
Would love to fish (probably the usual skunk let’s be honest) surrounded by the city.
Cheers for any help.

Kane County retention ponds can produce some nice bass, if you can brave all the cat tails, weeds, and ticks surrounding them.

White Chatter Bait with a white craw trailer was skunked for two hours until the sun hit the horizon and then, boom. The big ones began to hunt.

I’m starting to wonder why they are tagging such an insane amount of bass — I feel like they are in a place where it would be better for them to start focusing on other things, like maybe drum stocking, Walleye studies, or something else. I’m no scientist though, just a degenerate fisherman. Would love to hear your guys’ thoughts down below.

Hit the DPR this morning from 5 till 9. Went to three spots and only had luck at the second, the river is low af. Thought top water would’ve been money this morning, but no blow ups. Switched to the Goby Tube at the second spot, casted right in front of me, and got a hit instantly. Mf tore my thumb to shreds.

The ifishillinois website just updated and I can’t seem to find the list of minimum sizes for a fish to count towards a master angler/big fish award. Anyone know where to find it? I know I’ve caught at least 3 of the 5 at a large enough size (grass carp, bigmouth buffalo, and black buffalo) and possibly a 4th (wiper).

My first time fishing the river was a pleasant experience. Caught way more fish than I've ever caught before.

I'm usually free weekends but that's when it's the most packed and I prefer peace and quiet.

Is there another section of the river that you guys recommend?

I'm not sure if it contributed to the success I had, but I love the shade the buildings provide and the different structure available. I also loved how I didn't lose any baits from snags lol. There's very little vegetation and rock to snag on.

Tried carping at Ping Tom Park for the first time this week. Strategy was to put out 3 rods with a method feeder, hair rig, and packbait. First day out, I hooked into five but didn't land a single one... my drag was set way too tight. Second day, I learned my lesson and let the fish run on loose drag before pulling it in, bagging my first carp. Third day, I got very lucky, reeled in 2 carp and a catfish.

I met a lot of amazing people, many of whom helped me net these fish. I remember unhooking the catfish, and at the same time, another rod had doubled up. I had a Chinese uncle wrestle this carp for a minute before I got my picture and took over; he had a lot of fun. It feels great to give others the opportunity to fight their own fish.

Wondering if anyone else had any great experiences at Ping Tom.

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I do a lot of finesse fishing, mainly Ned rigs and drop shots, and I'm thinking about upgrading my rod.

I'm currently using an Ugly Stik Carbon. I can tell the difference between my bait hitting bottom, weeds, rocks, and an actual nibble, so that's not really the issue.

What I sometimes have trouble with is telling the difference between a fish just nibbling/tapping the bait and a fish that has actually taken it and is sitting there with it. Sometimes I don't realize the fish is actually on until I move the bait or start reeling.

I'm still catching fish with my current setup, so it's not like the Ugly Stik isn't working. But if upgrading to a more sensitive rod means I can feel more of what's going on underwater and makes finesse fishing more enjoyable overall, I'm definitely down to spend the money.

I was looking at the 6'10" St. Croix Bass X Medium-Light Extra-Fast. I originally considered pairing it with a Shimano Vanford 2500, but I'm thinking about just upgrading the rod for now to save some money and keeping my current reel.

Would the Bass X be a noticeable sensitivity upgrade over the Ugly Stik Carbon for this kind of fishing? Or is there another rod around the same price that's better specifically for Ned rigs and drop shots?

This lug demolished a single live red worm a foot from the bank as I was trying to catch bait fish 😅 made for a great time on my 13+ year old ultralight combo

Skunked yesterday, hit the same spot on the way home from work

Im in the Busse area often but only fished there once. At a random spot, throw a couple lures and left. Any tips on a good shore spot that I can park at or walk to? And where are they? High, low, in the Lilly’s deep or shallow? Thanks

Haven't caught one the whole 2 weeks :( Nooby here.

Caught on a ned craw

Got the 4 pounder I've been trying for and my LM PB! Went with the watermelon on pearl Yum worm done wacky!