Ok guys, got a group of guys coming to the lake this weekend for some good food and a little fishing if the weather permits. We usually go to the broad river in May for some river cats but due to health issues of one in our group we are finally getting together this up coming weekend. Gonna spend our time above and below big mans looking for anything that will bite (cats, perch, or stripers) and am wondering if anyone can tell me if we should drag planers in creek channels or if perch jerkin what depth would you recommend. Can you cut bait for cats off of points or better in channels this time of year? Hadn’t been fishing since before deer season. Any help would be very appreciated. Thank you! Slacker.
You’re in the right area for Striper. Planer boards and down rods. Can’t speak for cats or perch.
…
Mike Martinez
“Team Hookers Dream”
2016 Sea Hunt 25 Gamefish twin Yamaha 150’s “Wet Dream”
1994 Ken Craft 175CC 1998 Yamaha 115 “Dream Machine”
I’ve been under the weather for the past two weekends and haven’t tried the spoons. Before that I was catching a lot of perch and a few largemouth between 22’ and 28’ in the elbow area of the lake. If I were fishing for perch tomorrow, with all of the recent rain probably muddying up the upper lake, I’d look for the perch below the mudline. Usually, the further down the lake you go the deeper the perch and other fish will be. But with this warm winter water you might still find them shallow if you head down the lake.
Cats are probably moving to the shallows, but that’s just a guess. I’d try cut herring and/or stink baits between 8’ and 20’ on flats near creek runs.
The cats are in the shallows up little river. We caught a 5 pound blue in 10 feet of water on a planer while fishing the striper tournament… cute little thing.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
Thanks to all of you for so much great information. I will post our results whether good or bad next week . Are Herring still bait of choice? Does midlands or George’s have bait right now? I’m sure shiners would be fine also. Sorry for all the questions. Thanks again! Slacker
With water temps in the 50’s, herring and gizzards are just fine. However, if they drop into the 40’s, shiners are my bait of choice. I don’t think that will happen by next weekend.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
Sorry it took so long to post but we got out there Thursday and Friday and the conditions were tough. Fished from the power lines at Barstow to big mans and clouds creek on Thursday and caught 2 keepers and 1 shortie on boards in the creek channel. Wind was really tough both days. Friday we went where the rivers come together and fished to the elbow. Marked fish but no takers. All and all a fun weekend. Thanks again for all the advice. Slacker