080714 Late Afternoon Trip (7-9)

[J-Doc]

After having some very hi-stress situations and lots of frustration and anxiety, I had to get out to the lake. As the prison Warden on “Cool Hand Luke” said….”boy, you got to get your mind right!” And boy did I! It’s amazing what a little hydro-therapy can do. Especially from a brand new boat. J The new hasn’t worn off yet and I’m getting completely spoiled. Having a large fishing deck, monster trolling motor, an outboard that seems to sip a few ounces of gas and starts so easily when you turn the key…..well it’s just a very welcome adjustment.

So I’m stressed and need a break right? Well, I got one. First cast of the day, my H20 rod snaps! Good thing I keep receipts. Hoping to use Academy’s “exchange” program today. If not, it’s not a tremendous loss. Their Ethos rods are really affordable. This is the first one that has broken on a cast or hookset (this one on a cast with a Carolina rig).

I didn’t let this bad omen get to me. Put that rod up and picked up the drop shot to play with “Mr. Greenjeans” and I love to fish a dropshot. Within minutes I had a couple of small Kentucky bass. So small, I didn’t even keep them (which is a surprise because I want to thin out the population).

That got boring quick so I decided to troll the area I had stumbled upon (I’ve never fished this spot before). With these new Lowrance graphs, I feel like I’m seeing the lake for the first time. It’s amazing how many fish are in this lake. My graph is lighting up like an old phone switchboard at a Jerry Lewis telethon and I’m getting excited. Problem is, all the fish are between 20-25ft and my baits would only reach 17ft and the other bait will reach 20-21ft. Ironically, the little #7 Flicker struck first and a NICE crappie was a surprise. I swapped out the deep diver for another #7 and reset lines. Caught a nice largemouth. I made a 325yr troll and saw fish the entire time. I got excited then. Turned around and made another pass. No mas’. Turned, and made another half-pass and stopped just short of a waypoint I made. Broke out the Shinnee Hinnee jig and spoon and setup camp. No bites. Amazing. Fish all around, fish about 20ft down and some coming up to 7-10ft and dropping back down. Couldn’t get a bite on the spoon either and it’s usually very deadly. The entire time I’m sitting in this area, there was only one topwater bite. It amazed me. Glass pond, quiet, fish on the graph and very little activity.

Now I have to go find that banana that Feathers&Fins put in my boat………….

Here are a few photos I snapped from the phone. Such great scenery. I could have stayed there all night.

[tho1mas]

Nice report.

[Feathers and Fins]

Told ya I did.... plastic nanner stuck up by the front of your gas tank....

[J-Doc]

Told ya I did.... plastic nanner stuck up by the front of your gas tank....

Did you really? You know I'm going to tear the boat apart looking for one now. Jerk.

[YAKFM]

Looks like a nice evening on the water. Good to see that you were able to get away for a few hours.

[nathanhooper]

It was a nice evening out. And the fish did seem active, but must have been locked on to something else for food. I feel your pain way too much, seeing a lot of fish and not being able to get them to bite.

[J-Doc]

Check your boat for a bananna. I think there is a 6'-2" banana fairy going around placing "good luck" devices so he....I mean she can post fishing reports.

[Feathers and Fins]

6'2 whats she look like ?

Na Nathans problem is sensory overload or is it technique overloads lol.

[nathanhooper]

Check your boat for a bananna. I think there is a 6'-2" banana fairy going around placing "good luck" devices so he....I mean she can post fishing reports.

lol. That was my first thought. My second was that my whole boat may just be a banana.

6'2 whats she look like ?

Na Nathans problem is sensory overload or is it technique overloads lol.

Hit the nail on the head. Ever seen them guys that spend more time tying lures on than actually fishing the lures....

I like to try a lot of things for sure. I'll eventually settle down on one thing or another, given the right circumstances. I realize that I will always have to keep an open mind for changing conditions, but right now I do not know what conditions require the correct presentations/technique.

Funny thing is that while I am flexible in my approach, I am not flexible enough while in the boat. You tried several things last night which is what I need to do. I just need to have a method for doing them.

I'm learning thanks to you guys. Detailed reports help to see how people do things. I did not grow up in a fishing household at all. I managed to get some tackle sometimes and hit the local ponds, and when we went to the lake for a day out I'd get to fish big water. But I was on my own. Its just been the last few years that I've started putting together different things. It all came together wonderfully this spring, and I am sure it will again next spring. So now it may take a few summers, but eventually it will click.

I am sure the new boat has something to do with your thing doc. Maybe its too shiny on the bottom.

[Feathers and Fins]

Nathan, there is an old saying " Keep it simple" and with summer stripers that holds so true, don't overthink them or technique and you will do fine you are already putting fish in the boat so just keep it simple.