Fishing Mid Channel Shad Schools

[LOZman]

I think this should be in this forum and not the one I originaly posted. LOZman

There are two main things you need to fish deep shad schools--good electronics and patience. When shad schools gather at 30-55 ft. in early summer, it is usually in mid channel of the main arm of the lake. The schools are huge, sometimes football field size or larger. Many of the large bass you hunted in the spring have moved to feed on these deep schools. The thermocline rule can be thrown out when fishing deep schools. If there is enough oxygen for shad schools, there is enough oxygen for bass to feed on the schools.

Consider the shad schools as a type of stucture in the lake. Two types of bass feed on these schools. Smaller bass, usually in schools, that appear to the sides of the shad and larger bass that will be under the shad school. Large bass are lazy and will wait for the smaller bass to attack the shad. Stunned shad will fall below the shad school to the large bass. Sometimes it helps to fish the small bass schools to the sides to turn the fish on before you go for the large bass.

Electronics: this is a case where the more power the unit has, the better. Set the unit to manual mode and adjust the sensitivity until you can see your lure at the depth you want to fish. This way you can see bass approach your lure and can tell if they are in a feeding or negative mode. Remember that if the smaller bass schools aren't feeding, the large bass probably aren't either. You will not be able to see the large bass under the shad schools.

Techniques: vertical jigging is the best way to fish deep schools. Large grubs(9-12 in.), jigging spoons, "Little George", large lipless crankbaits can all be jigged through and below the shad schools. Large lazy bass are looking for a meal---not a snack.

Some other ideas to try: 1-2 oz. shot arm spinnerbait, chatter bait, c-rigged rouge--all cast ahead as far as you can, counted down to the depth you need and fished back through the shad school.

Patience: remember that you are fishing deep. The fish feed sporadically throughout the day. If they are not biting, fish other areas and come back later. Don't spend more than 15-20 minutes and watch your electronics to see the bass's mode.

My best morning fishing this strategy: first nine bass caught all over four pounds.

Good Fishing!

[fishinwrench]

Good Lord..... that sounds like torture!

Glad it worked for ya though. 9 bass over 4lb...one right after another?

Wow! I've never pulled anything like that off before. Kickazz!

Consider the shad schools as a type of stucture in the lake. Two types of bass feed on these schools. Smaller bass, usually in schools, that appear to the sides of the shad and larger bass that will be under the shad school. Large bass are lazy and will wait for the smaller bass to attack the shad.

Where do the catfish, gar, whites, crappie, and drum fit into this scenario?

[LOZman]

The deep shad schools are also used by whites, wipers, and catfish. I've never caught crappie on mid channel schools and gar feed much shallower. I catch a lot of deep drum during the year but can't remember catching one in mid channel.