Northern Transfer

[4fishys]

Hey, all. FIRST thing I have to say is what an outstanding site this is! I have NEVER fished the rock, but thoroughly enjoy reading the posts. Fantastic info. from all involved. Thanks to you all for making me feel as if I am almost there. Speaking of being almost there, I have a lot that I plan on retiring to and building on in about 18 months. Can't wait! I am also planning on a trip down there this August for a short trip, and to show the area to my sons. I have a few concerns about fishing down there though. I'm from the Chicago area, and consider myself an O.K. fisherman. Can handle any rod and reel, and work it hard, although not nearly as often as I would like! My problem is this.....I usually fish water 6-12 ft. deep. Also do a lot of cranks and spinners, jigs occasionally, and slip bobbers for a mixed bag. I'm afraid I will be totally blown away at fishing water as deep as will be needed down there, and wonder if any of you had similar concerns before making a change such as this. How did you deal with it....was it as tough as I am fearing? Won't do the guide trip this summer, but will definitely make that the first order of business when I become a resident. Also had a question about drop shotting, which it seems I will be trying this summer based on what I have read. I always thought of drop shotting as a bottom presentation, jiggling the little fella 18" or so above the weight. When you are shotting for these suspended fish, I'm assuming you don't have 20 ft. of line between the weight and bait. Just getting it to the proper depth and jiggling on a "tight line"?

Once again, any feedback on the biggest transition problems I will be facing would be appreciated. Need to worry about it for a year or so!

If any of you get up to this area, I might recommend a good Chicago area site that is pretty good also. Chicagolandfishing.com Check it out, and again, thanks for making me feel as if I am down there already.

[HeavyC]

4fishys, I am taking EVERYONE's advice and hiring a guide in the first couple of days while I am there. That would be my only suggestion b/c I haven't fished it either,..... YET!

[misterpbody]

4 Fishys - Heavy C has the right idea; the rock can be a VERY humbling lake. I am from Chicago also, and caught zero bass the first 2 trips down there. I am no Van Dam or Iaconnelli by any means, but I am no rookie either. Look back thru the archives around the time you are going-hopefully you will find info in the area you are looking to fish.I spend most of my time on TR on the east end, Indian Point down to Big Cedar. Late August topwater early and late, usually in middle of coves, after dark shoreline out to 25 feet, jig on bottom, and drop shot wherever I can find 'em. Every time I've been there water has been gin-clear; if I could see them, they could see me; could not buy a bite. 4 hour guided trip-$265, 8 hour guided trip- $375, info on this website from the BEST guides on the lake-PRICELESS!!!!!! Seriously, hopefully some of the local masters will point you in the right direction.

Good luck, and Good fishing!

[Don House]

NT, don't make this such a big thing! I too came from fishing the northern Missouri lakes where deep was 20 feet, now I spend all of my time catching fish in 20 to 40 feet of water suspended over a 100 feet of water. You have to get rid of this deep water thing that is what I explain to all of my clients, fishing deep is as easy as fishing in 3 feet of water, you just have to get your mind right and just go fishing.

Drop shot fishing is a suspended type of fishing most of the time and even more during the summer time on the rock. The rig is easy to put together here are the parts..

1) Line used. I use no more than good old mono in a 6 - 8 pound test or if I'm really wanting to feel things I use a Fluorocarbon line but not a must. Most leaders for drop shot fishing are about 2 - 3 feet long

2) Drop Shot Hook, Size Number 2. Now take your leader and your hook, the knot used for these is a paulamar knot (Sorry if it is spelled wrong) tie your hook right in the middle of your leader. You should have 2 tag ends of your leader now and your drop shot hook is in the middle. Pull the two end apart and hold tight, look and see which way the hook is pointing, which ever end allows the hook to point up, the other end needs to be the weight end.

3) Weight. Sizes 1/4 to 3/8 ounce bell drop shot weight with a swivel on the end. Go down tag end about 8 - 12 inches and tie on your weight.

4) Barrel Swivel. On the open end of the leader tie on a good barrel swivel, then attach main line to swivel. This barrel swivel stop the rig from spinning under water.

Now you have the basic drop shot rig. We fish this rig vertical or straight down and best to start out with night crawlers, get out there on some main lake points or bridge pillars, open your bail and drop this rig down, count out to 20 then stop the rig and close your bail. Hold it still with your rod tip down, if no bite then bring back up and start all over but this time count to 30, fish for a little bit and then bring up your rig two turns of your reel, repeat steps up or down until you get a bite.

Now we could be here all day discussing rods, reels, Electronics, types of bites, types of bait live or plastic so on and so on. Now is where you need to get a guide and go out for a day, what you can learn to 4 - 8 hours well worth the money and is something you can use for years to come.

Welcome down to the rock it is a great place to call home!

Good Fishing

Capt. Don

[Scarecrow]

I moved here 4 years ago from the dark water in western Kansas and learned that fishing deep is a whole new world. It took me 2 years to finally see the error in my ways. The best thing I invested in was a good graph. The fishing equiptment is very important but locating the fish has been the most productive thing for me. Just one guys opinion.....