12-31-20. Big Cedar area report

[Bill Babler]

All those pictures of big bass from Bull Shoals got me fired up.   Launched at old 86 at 0900 and went looking for some deep fish. Air temp at a balmy 30 degree and surface temp at 48.9

Had been looking for about an hour when the wind came up pretty good so I headed for some shelf Rock, the kind of stuff that Mike said they were on. Flat rock mixed with gravel.   He had told me boat in 15 to 18 ft.  Phantom Brown RK Crawler. 

First location 4th cast and wham!  Nice K. Caught a total if 4 on that location and then just started to look for wind on that type of bank. It's amazing the wildlife you see right now up close  I saw at least 1/2 dozen Minks, running the bank and fishing. 

Ended the morning at 2 pm with 9 fish. 8 K's and 1 LM. All keepers with the LM at 4lbs. 15 oz.  

Pretty sure most bites were in that 8' to 12' range. Bites were solid and there was no doubt, they all fought really hard.   I know for sure I missed a couple of others, so a great morning on the Spro Cranker

Good Luck

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[Fishrman]

Bill, what pound test and brand are you throwing that RK on.   All crank fish i caught at Baxter the other day were on same bank type. 

[Bill Babler]

12 lb. InvizX Falcon Cara Cranker,  Daiwa Steez. Sounds like Bill Beck doesn't it. 

I was simply amazed at the force of the strike. Just hammered it. Not at all like the deep fish that are more like a crappie bite

At times in cool water trying to fish it deeper I will use 10#.  Glad I had the 12# today as they were not happy to be tricked. 

With water temps still this warm a biggin pulls hard. That Large Mouth jumped twice and cleared the water both times

[Quillback]

That is a healthy largemouth, and that 18" K is nothing to complain about either.  

[Sprint21fter]

Yeah Buddy! The word is out!

[Ron Burgundy]

5 hours ago, Bill Babler said:

All those pictures of big bass from Bull Shoals got me fired up.   Launched at old 86 at 0900 and went looking for some deep fish. Air temp at a balmy 30 degree and surface temp at 48.9

Had been looking for about an hour when the wind came up pretty good so I headed for some shelf Rock, the kind of stuff that Mike said they were on. Flat rock mixed with gravel.   He had told me boat in 15 to 18 ft.  Phantom Brown RK Crawler. 

First location 4th cast and wham!  Nice K. Caught a total if 4 on that location and then just started to look for wind on that type of bank. It's amazing the wildlife you see right now up close  I saw at least 1/2 dozen Minks, running the bank and fishing. 

Ended the morning at 2 pm with 9 fish. 8 K's and 1 LM. All keepers with the LM at 4lbs. 15 oz.  

Pretty sure most bites were in that 8' to 12' range. Bites were solid and there was no doubt, they all fought really hard.   I know for sure I missed a couple of others, so a great morning on the Spro Cranker

Good Luck

Whats the COE day use fee status at old 86?

[Steve McBasser]

You guys are killing me.....been almost two weeks for me. Glad you guys are getting out....

[Bill Babler]

Box was open and no note not to put money in. As I was coming in I saw the Ranger checking the shack and I assume the box. He was gone when I got there or I would have spoken to him. I was the only rig there. 
I have the Senior pass on my mirror so I’m guessing he checked me. 
Ramp and dock in perfect shape. Easy launch

[Smithvillesteve]

Bill: Great report. Question: At 8-12 fow is your RK deflecting off structure? I'm not sure I get mine down that deep when i throw one. I got 12 lb mono on my cranking rod. Would going to 10 lb or 12 lb floro help that? Happy New Year to all you TR boys! 

[Bill Babler]

Mine is banging hard in 8 to 12 feet and yes going to 10# would increase your depth. We have mentioned this before here and I'm going to state there are 50 guys on this forum that would simply kick my butt cranking or blading.

I usually feel when I'm that close to land I should be deer hunting🤪

Mike M. Is fishing it on Sunline Cranker. 12# test. 

Now as far as depth on the Spro Rock Crawler 55 this bait is designed for a depth range of 9' to 14'

When this bait first hit the market we all started throwing it Way to shallow and cranking it way to hard and fast. It's not a wiggle wart and was not ment to be   There were well documented problems we won't go into here.

For shallower application 2 years ago Mike designed the the MD" medium depth" Rock Crawler 55 to be thrown on the bank and out to 8'. 

Very similar to the depth configuration of the WW.

Best colors in the clear water we have right now in the main White River are the Phantom green and brown along with the clear Gill. These are the 3 baits I have pictured in the 55 size. 

When fishing with Mike he keeps his boat in the 15' to 20' range. Bait does not land on the bank when he throws it. Usually 5' to 10' off, at times even more. He throws it simply as far ad he can and believe you me, it's further than you can throw it. This keeps the bait in the strike zone for a longer period of time and also allows the bait to achieve maximum depth. 

For most all hard body presentation throw that bait as far as your technique and equipment will allow. That's the first rule on cranking a rock bank, I've been repeatedly told.  You aren't flipping bushes, your power fishing covering water

That being said this is not a grip-em-rip-em presentation. After you achieve your depth the bait is pulled and reeled slow to medium, with spit second pauses keeping at all time in contact with the bait. When hard contact or reflection of the bait is caused by striking a hard object be aware as this is a premium time for a strike due to the erratic movement of the bait.

I had fast success yesterday, but as it had been pointed out by way better fisherman than me on here 1 to 3 solid bites per hour are what is to be expected if your chunking it in the correct locations 

I know I butchered this so some if you cranker's and winder's  clean this up for me. 

Good Luck