Marble Beach/Spirit Lake ?'s

[LEECH21]

Hi, I live in central Minnesota and I consider myself a "fishing freak". I love to fish! The weekend of July 16th, 17th, and 18th my family is planning on driving down to Iowa and camping at Marble Beach on Spirit Lake. Does anyone know this area? I plan on bringing a camper and was wondering if there is cement slabs in the campgrounds or is it just grass to park on? And what kind of hook-ups (water, sewer, electric) do they have?
As for fishing, how much does a non-resident angling license cost for 3 days. I don't have a boat or plan on renting one, so do you think it is even worth me bringing my rods and tackle with? Are there any places to fish from shore productivly around that area.
Maybe if someone out there has a few hours free that weekend and wouldn't mind some Minnesotan company we could hook up for a few hours. I really want to experience all that Iowa has to offer expecially the fishing. Thanks for your time and any info.....LEECH

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[iowaboy]

Marble beach doesn't have slabs to park on just grass or mud. It's a nice campground just built a new shower house last yr. to go along with the existing one. Shore fishing I would give the grade a try it seperate's Minnesota and Iowa. Also casting twisters on the upper end of east okoboji can be productive at times.

For the family there is a big water park just north of Milford. Also Arnold's Park has rides and games for the family.

I'm not sure the price on a licence might try the iowa dnr HSOforum.

Good luck to you it's a beautiful area up there.

[abens1078]

Hey Leech,
I have been thinking about joining this sight for a couple weeks now and this post sealed the deal. I enjoy getting to Spirit whenever I can.
I was just going to add a few things. Many shore anglers go with chest waders at night or shoes and cutoffs, waders are warm this time of year. Twisters and floating Rapalas retrieved fast enough to stay above the weeds. Lighted bobbers and leeches are also popular at night. Spirit has tons of small walleyes this year so catching a few fish should be easy enough but keepers (14") can be a little work. It seems like 1 in every 20 fish can make the cut if you want some for the pan.
I am going to try and move some things around and maybe get up there Saturday evening. I can't make any promises but Dad has the boat and he likes to go to. I will keep checking this post as that weekend gets closer. Don't forget to bring two poles, LOL.

[LEECH21]

Thanks abens1078 and iowaboy for the all the info. Abens1078, wecome to the site. You will find this site addicting because you can learn so much here. You really think you will have that Saturday open? And you may have a boat? Great! Can you really use two rods in Iowa? Minnesota regs are real strict with one rod. The laws up here are probably for the good, but sometimes they just stink! Keep in touch....LEECH

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[abens1078]

Hey Leech21
I wanted to know if next Saturday(17th) afternoon/evening would work for you. I like to wait until some of the jet skies go home before going out and the evening bite seems to be a little better. Right now the only reason I wouldn't come up is if it is pooring rainstorms or bad wind, takes the fun out of it. You mentioned you were with the family so I don't want to get you in trouble Mostly we drag spinners or Lindy rigs with bottom bouncers or try some crankbaits. With a second pole we sometimes cast to the weeds for a pike or smallmouth, it all just depends on the conditions. As far as gear medium action covers everything with maybe a light spinning rig along if you want to do some jigging.
I'm going to talk to Dad this weekend and see if wants to go. If he does we have room for you and that would keep everyone out of each other's way IF dad can't make it we will have room for two Minnesotans and I will be the minority
License for 3 days is about $16. Hope your still up for it we can finalize it next week as far as times and meeting place.

[LEECH21]

I'm at work right now and can't write too much. I'll talk it over with the wife to see what she says. Would you be willing to pick me up at the camp site or would meeting you some place be better? Give me your e-mail address so we can swap info. Thanks....LEECH

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[abens1078]

Hey Leech,
Yes, I'm sure Marble has a dock or something I can pull up to.
[email protected]
I'm off at 4:30 and the folks don't have internet at home so after that I might not reply until Monday.

[fishhead1]

Leech, If your looking for a good place to go wading in the evenings you can't beat the footbridge on the north end of Big Spirit.Just walk out from the state park along the south side of the grade. I use a leech,#6 hook and a split shot.Casting twisters or rapalas also works well.LOTS of walleyes and bass. Hint: this area fishes better with some wind, the more wind the better the bite. good luck Fishhead1

[abens1078]

Hey Leech21,
I talked to the folks this weekend and they told me we have a wedding reception that I was included on the invitation. All is not lost though. I can still go in the morning from 7am to around noon or 1pm. I feel like a real duffus changing up on you like this and hope we can still figure something out. Shoot me an email. Mornings are still real good on Spirit.

[LEECH21]

Abens there should be an e-mail sent to you.

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