2 Hr. Morning trip SK

[Bill Babler]

On those Tennessee River impoundments the big deal the last few years has been long line cranking.   Read an article of a local there letting out as much as 300 ft. Of line to crank/ pull the river ledges  

I’m thinking that’s about as close to trolling as it gets.  

Someone might know how to find the MLF rules on moving the bait. Either with the reel handle or a twitch of the rod. 

Jerk bait fishing is durn near strolling if the water is cold. 

The way I do the deep jig is with the boat in the 20/30/40’ range is to cast the 3/4 or 1 oz. jig as absolutely far as I can. 

As it’s sinking I usually open the spool and let additional line out.  I’m constantly trying to put some additional movement on the jig by twitching or hopping it, but I do use the trolling motor to keep moving and I’m not reeling in line.  Most often I’m letting out additional line.  

You need a heavy 7’2” or longer rod for this and at least 15 pound test line to get a good hook set. 

With a hooked fish out this far, take your time, you don’t want it to jump or it will sling out that heavy FB jig no matter how well you set the hook. 

This method is a great way to locate and catch fish from now to December. Some years way better than others. You can cover a lot of water and a lot of different depths. 

A 3/8 to 1/2 ounce Underspin will also work but most times not nearly as well as the jig. 

Also use as big a craw as you can find on the jig or even a baby brush hog. Those big Jaws want a big bait in the Fall.  Lots of nice K’s and LM can be out there roaming with them too. 

Good Luck. 





 

 

 

 

 

[dwiebenga]

Great information Bill!  Thank you

[Quillback]

Yes, thanks for the info Bill!

It is funny how you can cast and drag a jig and they won't hit it, but start dragging one with the TM and they'll be all over it.  

[bobby b.]

1 hour ago, Bill Babler said:

The way I do the deep jig is with the boat in the 20/30/40’ range is to cast the 3/4 or 1 oz. jig as absolutely far as I can. 

 

Bill, 

Sounds like you are not locating fish with the graphs but rather throwing to known likely locations/areas. True?

I did this some of this last year after a similar post (probably yours) but I located singles with FFS and threw past them but not really moving the boat.  Really never found any schools.

I will try your way soon - wife just came down with Covid so I am on kid to school and back duty for a bit.

Bobby

[dblades]

Bo and some of his videos suddenly started showing up on my U Tube, last week.  Didn't know him well, but miss his input to the forum. 

[Bill Babler]

Bobby, for me this technique started way before FFS. The last few years it’s not been as good, but yes, you for sure could do it that way. 

At times however theses fish are stuck so hard to the bottom they are impossible to see with any type of underwater peepers. 
 

Dblades. I think I speak for most everyone on here. Bo is missed, that’s for sure. 
 

[Flysmallie]

10 hours ago, Quillback said:

A lot of rules will say "no trolling", but that leaves a lot open to interpretation.  

I think that's where the problem is, everyone saying it leaves a lot open to interpretation. If you have good morals you already know what would be allowed and what wouldn't. If you are shooting for loopholes then you should be a politician not a fisherman. 

[Champ188]

On 8/31/2022 at 7:29 AM, Bill Babler said:

As it’s sinking I usually open the spool and let additional line out.  I’m constantly trying to put some additional movement on the jig by twitching or hopping it, but I do use the trolling motor to keep moving and I’m not reeling in line.  Most of

ten I’m letting out additional line.  

Using the TM to let line out is no problem in my mind because you aren't actually moving the lure at that time. You're using it to let more line out, which I don't see is wrong. BUT, if you engage the reel and then use the TM to drag the bait for extended periods of time, that's where the rub comes in for me. 

[Bill Babler]

I think you nailed it.  At times I’m guilty. Never in a derby however, only fun fishing where all is fair in love and Bass. 

[rps]

On certain flats, especially those with flat points that run out more than 100 yards before they fall into the channel, strolling with a big jig and craw or a brushhog may be the only way to find fish glued to the bottom. And this time of year, glued to the bottom is real common.