Im pretty new to the board and I am keeping my boat at Last Resort Marina in Gilbert. I was hoping yall could provide me with some advice on where to fish somewhat close to the Marina although Im willing to make the long run to the dam. Thanks in advance for any help.
We berth a very long way from you, and are not nearly as skilled as many in this forum, who I’m sure will pass on some recommendations, but generally speaking right now, I’d recommend points and humps. Having a GPS with lake contours is a really big help.
If you don’t want to struggle with keeping bait alive all day I suggest you learn to catch them with artificials. The best way is to troll spoons, bucktails, and umbrella rigs using either lead core or down riggers. This is best in the warmer months. If you do have the know how to keep herring alive then most people will tell you that is the best option.
If you would like some ideas on trolling options then send me a pm.
I used to work for one of the larger local tackle stores. In my opinion after meeting many of them I would humbly say that the best money you could possibly spend would be the membership fee to Midlands Striper Club. I’m not a member, but if I ever target stripers, I can assure you that I will be. The knowledge they share at their meetings will easily save you a lot of money on gas in a couple of fishing trips, thus paying for the membership fee.
The stripers usually are in your area during the winter months and gradually move down lake as the water warms. Bear creek was always a good spot for me during the springtime, for trolling and cut baiting. After the stripers moved deeper I would change to bass fishing. You’ll probably get better replies from some of the striper guys later today. Good luck.
Is that marina in Hollow Creek? If so, you’re right there for some good fishing. I’d pull freelines, corks, planers, and shallow downrods in 5 to 30 feet of water, focusing more on points and irregular offshore structure. If you don’t do planers, flatlines and corks can produce numbers of fish behind the boat. Speed is important. I try pull at. 4-.5 mph but have hooked up at higher speeds.
Keeping live bait is not the brain surgery some make it out to be. If you need help, just ask. Artificials are a viable option as well. Snatching bucktails with worm trailers while shallow trolling is usually good in the locations I describe. Be prepared to hang and lose some jigs:imp: I could go on and on…
Tight lines!!
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
Yes, its in Hollow Creek. Im actually using on trailer storage from those guys and I get ramp access.
My mistake. I was thinking of a different landing farther up near Hwy. 391. Got my landings confused.
Fogman is absolutely correct in his advice. If you don’t catch them there try straight across the lake on the Chapin side. We both used to catch a bunch out of Bear creek at about this time of year. In the not too distant future they will move closer to the dam. Cutbait will be another good option about now for stripers and probably some catfish too. Good luck.
I don’t fish hollow creek very often, but I had a good night right on the left where the creek widens. My gps said stumps on a flat and the fish were all over it. Also caught fish in a narrow branch that cuts to the right as you head out towards the main lake. If you have a decent fish finder you should be able to mark fish. I’m not sure of your level of experience, but if you are novice the midlands striper club has a page with a lot of basics.
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude