Going Out Tomorrow

[BolivarBasser]

First time fishing with the water this cold...anyone got some tips I can try tomorrow for largemouths?

And this may be a dumb question, but is shoreline cover with a jig/pig still an effective tactic with the water this cold, of should I focus deeper with a dropshot or carolina?

[ckjacks]

First time fishing with the water this cold...anyone got some tips I can try tomorrow for largemouths?

And this may be a dumb question, but is shoreline cover with a jig/pig still an effective tactic with the water this cold, of should I focus deeper with a dropshot or carolina?

I have no idea what the water temp is, but I would say the vast majority are still out deep. That being said, if you do hook up with one shallow this time of year it is going to be a big one. Good luck and tell us how you do.

[BolivarBasser]

Will do.

[straw hat]

I drove around the lake today; Hawker Point, Roark, Stockton State Park and Hartley. The temps are running 38 to 40F. I also agree with csjacks. If you can find a log or brush on a south facing shore they amy be there trying to warm themselves. Good luck.

[BolivarBasser]

Thanks straw. Right now, my game plan is to drop shot some main points and flip the laydowns or brush I see. Hopefully tomorrow's low-40s temps will be enough to warm up the coves a degree or two by mid afternoon.

[Flysmallie]

Thanks straw. Right now, my game plan is to drop shot some main points and flip the laydowns or brush I see. Hopefully tomorrow's low-40s temps will be enough to warm up the coves a degree or two by mid afternoon.

What part of the lake are you going to fish?

[Dutch]

I would have more money in my pocket and not be nearly as mad if I had stayed home today. I fished all over the lower lake and didn't get a bite. I fished all the way out to 65'. The shad are suspended 20' off the bottom in lots of places.

I could see 6 fish on top of one brush pile and I guess they were carp because they wouldn't look at anything I put down there. Stockton and I are close to a divorce I just don't know which one will get the kids.

[BolivarBasser]

What part of the lake are you going to fish?

I had thought about launching at either crabtree or high point, haven't decided yet. Wondering if high point was thaw yet, last time I was there it was iced in and that was before the last batch of crappy weather. Leaning toward crabtree and staying in that general area.

[BolivarBasser]

I would have more money in my pocket and not be nearly as mad if I had stayed home today. I fished all over the lower lake and didn't get a bite. I fished all the way out to 65'. The shad are suspended 20' off the bottom in lots of places.

I could see 6 fish on top of one brush pile and I guess they were carp because they wouldn't look at anything I put down there. Stockton and I are close to a divorce I just don't know which one will get the kids.

No luck at all dutch?

[BolivarBasser]

Well I went out today, didn't have any luck. Launched around noon and had to break through some thin Ice to reach the main body, most of the ice was clear by 5. Fished some points and steep bluffs...suspending crankbaits, shaky worm, jig/pig, lipless crank, gulp minnow swimbait, deep diving crank, slow-rolled spinnerbait...the works.

Sure would be nice to have a fishfinder so I could have an idea of how deep i am and what's going on down there. Regardless, it was good for my mind to be able to get out and enjoy the lake for a few hours. The lake sure is beautiful. I did see some small shad fluttering near the surface (assuming this is "the shad kill" I've read about?) and some birds dive-bombing the surface for something.

Empty handed but still had a great day. Boat still leaks a little but not as bad as before I patched a small gash. If anyone needs a fishing partner for a day for some companionship this spring, holler at me.