Lets talk game plans/strategies

[nhornback]

Based on current conditions (or what conditions are coming in next couple weeks) if you were going to spend a full day or two on the water what would your game plan be?

Newbie to bass fishing, and a sponge for any info I can get to further understand this awesome hobby.  

Hopeful that we can make this thread a recurring monthly thing to follow the seasons, and cover everything from presentation details to moon phases and barometric pressure.  

Would love to hear not only WHAT you would do, but WHY you would do it that way.

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge, and let the debates begin! 

[Quillback]

Well, I'd throw a Ned rig for sure, it's a great winter bait.  See Alex Heitman's recent post for some good insight.

I'd probably also try a jerk bait, and some cranks that run in that 8 -12 foot range.

[nhornback]

Quillback,

What areas would you target first on your search?  Main lake, secondary, backs of creeks/pockets, etc? Type of bank? 

I've never spent any time using Ned rig, what kind of set up do you prefer for it? Rod/reel/line and type of jig/plastic? 

I ask lots of questions, if you didn't notice 

 

[Quillback]

The guy to answer the Ned questions is Dtrs5kprs (Dave).  I think if you shoot him a PM, he'll provide a ton of info, or some links to the info.

I can tell you the types of areas I target in the winter with the Ned, basically I have a milk run of a half dozen spots, I learned those locations through time on the water, and usually they hold bass in the winter, several of them are points at cove mouths that have timber out in 10-30 FOW, usually they are also rocky, not mud bottoms, main lake 45 degree chunk rock banks, bluffs can be good, if you can find a shelf coming off a bluff that is in 20 FOW and has some timber, that can be worth fishing.

Winter Ned bites are going to be light, especially when you're fishing deep, usually your rod will just slowly load up, feels almost like you're pulling through moss, but they'll hang on to a Ned pretty well, so if it takes a second to recognize what's going on, you can still usually get them.

It wouldn't hurt, being that you're new to bass fishing, to go out with one of the guides like Bill Babler or Pete Wenners.  Winter fishing a big lake like Table Rock is a pretty daunting task even for experienced fishermen.

[dtrs5kprs]

Alex pretty much showed the blueprint, Quill filled in some detail. You could probably fish a jig, tube, or hula grub on some of the same stuff. Bluff end coves, and swing banks in the creeks would be worth a look, especially transition rock in the creeks.

This should help with the Ned. If not, search it up on this forum, check youtube at 521VX05 or Winkiedoodles, or shoot me a pm.

 

 

 

Second one gives you an idea on rock types and boat position. Most of that rock will be underwater now, with a lot of water in wood and brush. That was at about 915'.

ML spinning  rod, about 6'6" to 7'6", full of 6# fluorocarbon or braid with a fluoro leader will get it done. Even in cold, high water, there will be some fish shallower than you would expect. The Ned is perfect for that.

Kind of think all the water and current will play heck with the deep fish for a bit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[nhornback]

You guys are a wealth of knowledge, thanks!

What are your expectations for prespawn /spring time with the water levels and temps like they are? Early spawn or delayed?

[nhornback]

I will surely spend my "tinkering" time getting a set up for the ned rig ready.

 Since I'm new and inexperienced, getting out in freezing conditions to fish in ways I've never done before is a little daunting.  I understand its called fishing and not catching for a reason, but I want to feel confident I'm on the right track with my game plan, otherwise it's easy to get discouraged and wonder whether or not I'm totally backasswards on where and how I should be fishing...

 

[m&m]

Nhornback, you can use the search tool on this forum also to look at past posts. Hiring a guide is money well spent. Also some of us get on the chat every other Tuesday at 7:00pm open topics. I think this coming Tuesday is our next group chat. Quill back is that right?

mike

[nhornback]

I've debated hiring a guide, might do it this spring.  

Due to my (lack of) confidence levels, I'm a power fisherman by default. I figure covering lots of unproductive water to find productive water is better for me than finesse fishing unproductive water slowly, but I know that cranks and spinners are rarely the best choice for most days, which leads to another question...

When searching for "good" spots, how would you go about it? (pretend you dont have your honey holes already mapped out)  I don't know table rock at all really, and almost every bank and pocket looks appealing if I see any sort of chunk rock or visible cover...

I read about stuff like channel swing banks and transition banks, but identifying them while on the water isn't as obvious for me as what people describe it as... 

Once again, thanks for all the info.  

[nhornback]

And unfortunately I work on Tuesday nights.  Do you guys know if I can access the chat transcript anywhere later on?