Stickbait Questions

[SRV1990]

I see lots of posts/reports where stickbaits are being used successfully, whether LC, Spro, Rapala, etc. It seems to be the go-to choice for many this time of year. But since I usually don't make it down to TR until mid-May, thought I would ask for some input...

-- At what water temps does the use of stickbaits slow down, and will it get to a point where they aren't used much at all?

-- If they can be used successfully in warmer waters (60+), what types of structure should I be focusing on?

I posted something like this near the bottom of another thread, but thought I would start a new one (BTW, thanks for the one response I did get!).

As always, thank you!

[motoman]

Here's a bump SRV, good question. I'm interested in the answer too.

[dtrs5kprs]

The ones that throw better will sometimes work on schoolies. Nice that you don't have to move the bait away from the fish.

[ozarksfishin]

I will try to answer your question SRV, the stickbait on Table Rock and Bull Shoals is more of a colder water or early pre spawn tactic. Once the fish move up, it is pretty much over. You will start to see in the next couple of weeks that it really starts to slow down and the other tactics start picking up, like the grub, split shot, and jig. With the stickbait, you are targeting staging, pre spawn fish. As the fish move shallow, it is just not as effective, the stickbait is more of an open water, deep type bait. Most of the time, the fish are coming out of 25-30ft. of water to get the stickbait. Another interesting fact is that one specific stickbait is not always the best. Some days they want a Lucky Craft, other days they want a Spro, and then other days they want a Rouge! All stickbaits have a different action in the water, it just depends on what the fish want that day. Practice and time on the water is the best key to unlocking the secrets of stickbait fishing. Babler had a post not too long ago about what to look for on the water and the weather conditions, it was very informative. Those are the days when you can load the boat with a stickbait, most of the time, when conditions aren't perfect, you can hope for 6-7 bites on it. The good thing is, those 6-7 bites will be good fish. Hope this helps!

[techo]

Thanks for the post. That helped me some.

[ozarkgunner]

IMO

Mid-May = the start of plastic worm fishing. I still work a shad rap or wart if the conditions are right. Additionally, May can bring some block buster top water bites. However, for the most part the stick bait action is over by the time I start chasing the turkey (if not much sooner).

[SRV1990]

Thanks ozarkgunner, much appreciated. The grub, split shot and shakey head are what I primarily use when I'm there in mid-May, but didn't want to ignore another option if it were worthwhile.

I'll try to find the post from Bill that you refer to, however if you have/know the link and can send it, that would be great!

Thanks again!!