Strategy Opinions

well…I am catching no fish…so, things have to get better…

I heard them talking about catching bait…where/when…

I know in Lake Moultrie when they are pulling water – we could catch shiners on gold hooks…is it the same in Lake Murray…

It is a lot different fishing in Lake Murray compared to the lower lakes…

you can catch herring on gold hooks at the towers sometimes if they are NOT pulling water. they are probably 40 to 50 feet deep this time of year. there is a trick to marking them on your graph as the tower structure can confuse your unit. take the sonar out of auto mode, set the range to 60 or 100 feet, approach the towers straight-on(perpendicular to the row of towers). you will see a solid, sharp incline as the unit detects the concrete. look for a wad of bait on the edge of the incline. if you are catching bait on gold hooks remember to loosen your drag somewhat. it is not uncommon to have a striper hit a hooked bait as you bring it up - my largest to date on gold hooks is 16lbs - big fun. as for the big baits the guys are using, they are buying big gizzard shad from a guy in Clover who catches them on Wateree, don’t know how to get 'em Murray. i think that a nice crappie may be a good bait. some folks bring live rainbow trout for bait - not sure where they buy those.