mic Posted July 15, 2012 Author Posted July 15, 2012 Well, I finally got some time, skipped the pond, and went to Washington County Lake in Nashville IL. Tried fishing by a new dock and didn't have any luck. I went to the darn (rip rap) right at dark, and it was on. I missed the first two and then remembered don't set the circle hook. Got the third one a nice three pounder. Cast back out bam got another one slightly smaller, two and half maybe. It was dark, and I got had my dinner. So went to put the second one on the stringer only to find the first one pulled it out from under a big rock I laid on it. It and the fish were gone. So, I threw the second one back in and called it a night. I'll get some table fair latter. Ended up catching a small one on worms while fishing for bait. Got the big ones on cut bluegill. Can't wait to go out again.
Kayser Posted July 15, 2012 Posted July 15, 2012 Cut bluegill or sucker is my go-to for channel cats. Scale the fish, then fillet and cut into 1-2" chunks (skin on for durability). A 4/0 or 6/0 circle hook is about perfect for channel cats, with either a slip-rig or 3-way swivel rig. If you have a little bit of mobility, try a heavy slip-float rig with the cut bait around shady brush, preferably in 5-15ft of water. They will lay under the main trunk of the tree, but come out for the bait. They really like it if this is on an old creek-channel drop off. This also works well around rip-rap if you are having problems getting caught in the rocks with bottom rigs- just keep the bait about a foot above the rocks. The third method is a #4 hook, 2 large split shot, and a couple of worms dug out of the garden. You can throw it out and drag it back leaving a "scent trail" on the bottom, and then throw it back to about the middle of the trail to sit. This will catch pretty much anything that might swim, including the carp. I wouldn't do the drag-trail if there is a lot of brush, though. WARNING!! Comments to be interpreted at own risk. Time spent fishing is never wasted.
Haris122 Posted July 16, 2012 Posted July 16, 2012 Bingo, I got my first channel cat today around 9 in the evening at the main Suson Park Lake with the bobber approach you guys suggested. I had the bobber about 25" above the treble hook, and an egg sinker and barrel swivel about 4" below the bobber, and eventually I noticed it was gone while retying my other rod that I was bottom fishing with. I thought for sure I was going to ruin it during the hookset but I guess that one committed to it enough to even let me set it.
mic Posted July 16, 2012 Author Posted July 16, 2012 Cut bluegill or sucker is my go-to for channel cats. Scale the fish, then fillet and cut into 1-2" chunks (skin on for durability). A 4/0 or 6/0 circle hook is about perfect for channel cats, with either a slip-rig or 3-way swivel rig. I caught mine on the fish heads. Never got to the filets.
mic Posted July 16, 2012 Author Posted July 16, 2012 I made it out to Carlye Lake (IL biggest reservoir) on Sunday for some scouting. Found two good spots. Would you recommend rip/rap next to deep water or rip/rap along side a creek arm? For those who know the lake it is the rip/rap next to the sailboat marina or the creek arm north of the there.
Wayne SW/MO Posted July 16, 2012 Posted July 16, 2012 My guess would be the creek, but only because your method sounds like it needs the bait on the bottom. Rip rap is a magnet to fish because it has the same qualities as a brush pile. Today's release is tomorrows gift to another fisherman.
Smalliebigs Posted July 16, 2012 Posted July 16, 2012 I made it out to Carlye Lake (IL biggest reservoir) on Sunday for some scouting. Found two good spots. Would you recommend rip/rap next to deep water or rip/rap along side a creek arm? For those who know the lake it is the rip/rap next to the sailboat marina or the creek arm north of the there. mike, the entrance to the sailboat cove is one of the better white bass spots on the lake usually begining in August....I would suspect a little early this year from the heat and the reports i'm getting. I only fish Carlyle and Rend from my boat unless it's early spring and I'm nailling the spillway run off. Call me we'll go take my Seaark to Carlyle.....I know that lake kinda..... I am really getting ready to start hitting the Mississsppi, Missouri, rivers and Carlyle, Rend and Kincaid.....always do in the dawg days of summer..................................... really wish someone would go float the Gasconade with me
mic Posted July 17, 2012 Author Posted July 17, 2012 Smallie, Sent you an email at work. Turn off your auto delete.
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