Newbie Drop Shot Question

[4fishys]

Finally getting down for some relaxation (and a little fishing, too!) from the 8th through the 12th. Based on what I am reading I guess I'll try some jiggin early, then back out for some drop shotting. This is all way new to a guy who considers 15 ft. to be deep water, but with all of the great info. on this site I feel that I have a fighting chance. Thanks to all who post here.

Question on shotting with crawlers. Are you using a whole crawler, or just pinching it in half or so? I'm also excited hearing about these monster gills.....can't find better eatin' in my opinion. Targeting the 18-25 ft. range, are they usually around and in timber, or just kinda anywhere? I find a lot of my biggest catches up north here are in this deeper water, not really associated with much other than deeper/cooler water. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also plan on just hitting some docks for the gills. I know there will be numbers at just about any dock, but are some bigger ones there also, or am I thinking backwards? Gotta admit that I'm feeling a bit intimidated by this lake, but really looking forward to 4-5 days of having fun with the family and getting a little fishing in also.

Thanks, and see you on the water.

Bill

[focused fishing]

4fishey,

If you are targeting spots you will want to use the whole crawler, with gills a couple inches of crawler will do. Most of the gills I hae been catching are on flats and flat points from 15' - 25' deep real close to the bottom. Docks are always an option, look for bigger community and condo docks to be the most productive and don't ignor the "break waters" infront of these big docks. Many of these breakwaters have brush attached to them, don't know how it got there, it will attract gills and spots. Most of the fish will suspend under the docks or on the dock cables. Use your electronics to find the depth, if you don't have the electronics count your rig down to about 30' and work your way up from there. (A drop shot with a 3/8 or 1/2 oz. sinker will fall approx. 2' per second) Or you can find an area that is 30' deep rop it to the bottom and mark your line with a sharpie. Hope this helps and that you enjoy the lake.

EP

[4fishys]

Focused,

Thanks! That's just the reply I was looking for, and expected to get from you guys. You're all the best. I'll be sure to post when I get back and let you all know how this "rookie" did on your beautiful lake.

Bill

[techo]

If you say where you are staying or putting in......you might get a few ideas of where exactly to catch these grub tail eating blue gills. As a matter of fact.....I will beg you to go to where they are stealing my grubs. If you go near Aunts Creek or Point 9...let me know!

[4fishys]

If you say where you are staying or putting in......you might get a few ideas of where exactly to catch these grub tail eating blue gills. As a matter of fact.....I will beg you to go to where they are stealing my grubs. If you go near Aunts Creek or Point 9...let me know!

I'm staying on Indian Point at Artilla Cove. Don't have a map yet, so I really don't know where I am close to.....but I will gladly folllow blind directions. Just ask my wife!

[rps]

You are way down lake from me, but check the maps of TR on this site. They are already marked with some locations. I have found the markings at this end accurate. More important, once you see what the marked areas look like you can scout for similar locations.

Have a great trip!

[techo]

You are a ways from my home area too. Trees along the shoreline are always good for blue gill