Rookie Report

[4fishys]

Finally fished the Rock for the first time, and I have to say that I at least went out with SOME ideas based on the great info. from this site. Only fished about 6 hours total, 4:30 to 8:00 on the 9th, and 4:30 to 8:00 on the 11th. I know that that adds up to more than 6 hours, but on the 11th my sons woke up and called me back to the resort to have them join me. Wouldn't have it any other way, but they had me chasing snags and retying so much that I didn't really wet a line myself! Still a great morning to be out with them, as this was the purpose of the trip. We spent the rest of our time worrying about the rain forecast, which never really happened, but other activities with kids/girlfriends and wife kept the boat busy skiing, swimming and just enjoying some down time.

I was fishing east of Indian Point, working 15-30 ft. with jig and trailer. First morning I had 4 takers, but only had them on for a short time. Just couldn't get a good hook up. Don't know if I waited too long or not long enough before setting the hook, but that was the story. I was using a larger jig with skirt, and a Yum crawler trailer. The jig had the plastic hook guard, and I think I was too shy in crossing their eyes to get the larger trailer and hook guard compressed and to the all important hook. That's my story, and I'm sticking with it!

The second morning I changed to a plain 3/8 football jig with a chompers trailer. Not so much interference on the set, and I boated two before the kids joined me. One might have been legal, and one short.

Overall I enjoyed trying something different, and think I might have continued improving with a little more time. The second day I fished a little half submerged island area east of Indian Point. Little saddle area between the island and the shore. Had what felt like a little shelf area in about 20 ft. fishing west side of the saddle area, and this is where both fish came from. There were a couple of boats fishing close to the island itself, but didn't want to intrude as it is not that big. I'm sure all of you regulars know the area I am talking about.

At least I beat the skunk! Thanks for the free info. to all that post here. At least I went out with some kind of plan.

New tackle box with Rock jigs, trailers, etc. = $50.00

Cost of lodging, gas to tow 1,000 miles round trip, dinners, etc. = Don't want to add it up!

Time on the lake with family = PRICELESS.

Bill

[rps]

Glad you enjoyed your visit. Hopefully the family enjoyed all their activities as well. That way you can plan another trip here soon. By the way, beating the skunk on your first trip in the late summer is an accomplishment.

[Champ188]

Sounds like you had a good plan and that you did darn well for your first visit to a great but very unique lake. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Ya'll come back now, ya hear?

[4fishys]

Thanks for the kind words It was fun getting outside of my comfort zone for a change....exciting to try something new. Maybe we should all do that more. Now for some drop shotting and maybe carolina rigging. I know they will catch fish up here also, but my time fishing is limited. Perhaps time spent on something new is time well spent. Mine sure was. It was fulfilling to succeed when I really did feel like a rookie out there. Read this site for anything you can on a technique you have perhaps avoided, and spend a few outings working it hard. The rewards are there, being successful is really a matter of degrees. I left feeling very successful, even though results would have been poor for someone who does it all the time. It's a weapon that I can add to my arsenal and use some time, next time with SOME degree of confidence. Thanks again to all who made the experience rewarding for me.

Bill

[Whack'emGood]

Way to go 4fishys!!

Well said... you are right. It is fun to get out of your comfort zone sometimes and try something new. It is currently an ongoing process for me on learning the drop shot. I got some great help on here from Mr. House and Mr. Stone, among others-- enough good info to get me started. I have had limited success in limited time doing it so far (have been spending all of my hours on the water night fishing this summer instead)... but I will eventually get enough time doing it to improve. It is definitely fun and exciting learning something new though.

Glad to hear you did well-- nice job for sure for a first time on TR in the Summertime. Come back and see us soon!

Whack'em

[Gone Fishing]

4fishys, I've had days were I'd sure like to have that certainly with the conditions. I've also had my worst year of losing fish on the jig. Seems like sometimes they just enjoy the ride and then just spit it. Maybe come back when you can stay longer. Good Fishin

[4fishys]

Whack'em, Looks like you're spending some good quality time on the water with dear old Dad, and quite successfully also. Congrats on your win! Those were some very nice fish. Keep posting on your efforts drop shotting. I enjoy living vicariously through all of your posts.

Gone Fishing, Yea, I was getting a little upset with the 25 foot retrieves when I had the fish on with 75 feet of line. At least it let me know that I was doing something kinda right to get bit at all. That right there made a big confidence difference. I guess it is always about making little adjustments to change those "almosts" into a fish admired and released.

Bill