Big Cedar with a Canoe

[gleaver]

I'm headed down to Big Cedar next week for a family vacation and won't have a boat (or electronics). What I will have is access to a canoe.

Can anyone give me an idea on how to fish that area? I won't have electronics, and most of my experience in MO is on Mark Twain and Lake of the Ozarks. I plan on fishing for crappie and bass mostly.

I plan on dropshotting and fishing the early/late topwater bite if possible too. I have never fished a NED rig before, but may give that a go if I can find some functional jigheads while I'm down there.

Do you guys have any other tips that might help me catch some fish?

[MOBass]

Get a good solid cast to cast and a half off the bank and fish the NED. I found the 1/16oz jigheads worked much better than the 1/8oz. It should keep you busy.

[Champ188]

Ned will outfish anything going right now. Topwater could be good early or under cloudy skies. I like a Pop-R or Spook Jr. this time of year. You might also throw a green pumpkin or similar-colored tube around gravel areas.

Watch out for idiots in ski rigs and bass boats. No, all drivers aren't idiots, but there are plenty out there who are. If they can darn near run over my 19-10 Ranger, I'd be sure and keep my eyes peeled in a canoe.

[jtram]

Any jighead will work, I try to use good ones but if you have unpainted 1/8 or 1/16 heads use them. Your plastic doesnt have to be elaz-tech (or whatever its called), I do use it most of the time and it is better, but if you are in a pinch go to wally world and get 5 inch senkos in whatever color you like, rip em in half and fish. Good Luck!

[Terrierman]

Any jighead will work, I try to use good ones but if you have unpainted 1/8 or 1/16 heads use them. Your plastic doesnt have to be elaz-tech (or whatever its called), I do use it most of the time and it is better, but if you are in a pinch go to wally world and get 5 inch senkos in whatever color you like, rip em in half and fish. Good Luck!

But do get the super glue gel. And do use a jig head with a guard.

[dtrs5kprs]

The little guy is almost impossible to top, especially for some casual fishing, April-June. Works throughout the year, but during that span you can just throw it and catch them, gravel and mixed rock 5'-15' deep.

Do take note of Champ's suggestion and make safety item one. Very few folks are intentionally reckless, but small boats can very easily blend in with the bank, docks, marinas, etc. I saw a gentleman on one of those paddle boards, wearing dark neoprene and a dark vest, recently. With him standing up, he blended in with the big POK docks in Schooner a little too well as I approached him. Nothing close, but it could have been for another boater.

[jtram]

But do get the super glue gel. And do use a jig head with a guard.

Super glue for sure, sucks without it.

[dtrs5kprs]

Super glue for sure, sucks without it.

It a actually catches a lot of fish if it pulls down and twirls. Just becomes a PITA to fish. Talk about line twist, and no clue as to when they have it...

[gleaver]

We will be careful with boats: I used to canoe on Lake of the Ozarks...learned the value of bright colors and staying away from busy channels there.

As for the NED rig, can you link to specific jighead you would use from Bass Pro? We are stopping by there on the way in anyway, so I will just buy some there. I have fished a lot of tubes, grubs, chompers, etc, (and plenty of tiny jigs for crappie) but it sounds like you guys use something a little different for this.

I've looked and read a little, but it's still a bit confusing without a good primer/pictures. I imagine fishing it is easy, it's the rigging that's a bit more confusing to me (specifically the type of jighead and how to tune it). Do you use any specific colors? I assume green pumpkin and craw colors work well. Anything else?

Thanks for the help.

[rps]

We will be careful with boats: I used to canoe on Lake of the Ozarks...learned the value of bright colors and staying away from busy channels there.

As for the NED rig, can you link to specific jighead you would use from Bass Pro? We are stopping by there on the way in anyway, so I will just buy some there. I have fished a lot of tubes, grubs, chompers, etc, (and plenty of tiny jigs for crappie) but it sounds like you guys use something a little different for this.

I've looked and read a little, but it's still a bit confusing without a good primer/pictures. I imagine fishing it is easy, it's the rigging that's a bit more confusing to me (specifically the type of jighead and how to tune it).

Thanks for the help.

dtrs5kprs, who responded above, makes the best, period. Message him and buy some. As for how to fish a search on Ned or on Varmint on this forum will inundate you with good information. Be safe. Have a great time.