What's going on?

Just trying to lay out some plans for the morning. Pastor and I are picking up the boat early and heading cross the water to get bait from David at the dam. Planning on downrodding. Since we’re near the towers, as it worthwhile to even stop there to check it out? Any reports on where fish have been located in the big water between there and Spence? Just looking to get info on types of areas to target. Thanks, any info is appreciated.

Michael, I haven’t been fishing much, but did make it out this eve and picked them up on a spoon between the dam and Pine Island. I did stop by the towers after seeing your post just to see if they were doing anything and it was dead. That don’t mean you may not be able to stop over there in the am and limit out in no time.

From talking to others and my last morning trip last weekend, it sounds like it’s best to get on the water as soon as can. I’d try and be fishing by 6 if you can.

If you are looking for a place to start off in the lower lake you can check here.

N 34 03.161
W 81 14.133

'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
DF90 Suzuki

Mike, the towers have been a parking lot since 5 and done. Too many boats for me as I try to stay away from the “smart” crowd.

-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad (1/13/37 - 9/27/16 I love you Pops)
-Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. Anatole France (paraphrased)
-RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. I’ll never forget him. What a special friend he was.
-Team Gonna Fish

Bite has been early in the morning (5:30-7:00), try fishing river channels feeding out of creeks in something like 45-70ft or humps off the channel. As the morning presses on the bite begins to slow. Make sure to chum and drum, the fish will be on you before you know it. Good luck.

Well, I’m embarrassed to post my follow up, but as I appreciate what others post about their observations and experiences, will do so. Unfortunately, did not see any of the initial replies until got back in.

David informed that they were catching at the towers from 50-70 feet, so went there to check it out at first light. Few boats already there but got into a space about 20 feet from a pontoon with two guys and a smaller fishing boat with four younger guys about 10 feet or so away. Watched the pontoon limit out by 0700. Watched the fishing boat land 16 stripers. We had two pulldowns but no hookups even though we were fishing the same depth. Finally left, after probably much too long, to check out some humps adjacent to the river channel. Marked some fish generally at 30 and 50 feet and could watch them ease up to our baits and then turn around. Tried spoons in addition to the herring to no avail. Chummed, but did not drum. Got one strike and a run before it through the hook.

Looked over a few more humps before setting on a 55 foot cut adjacent to a creek entrance, a channel, point, and shallow water. Marked lots of fish, stacked from 25 feet to the bottom. Managed one vicious strike that double the rod into the water before it broke the leader. Decided to pack it in. Have had worst days. Our bait seemed good and active all through the day up to 11.

Back to the fishing boat at the tower. Even though it was staring me in the face the entire time, did not recognize until later one major difference between them and us. They didn’t have a trolling motor, so they had tied to the tower and had their big motor running the entire time just to back them off from the tower. Was the noise and disturbed water the difference in attraction? Now I’m trying to remember if I had better downrod success in my pre I-Pilot days when I struggled for a few minutes to put out an anchor. Can’t wait till next time. Bound to be better, right?

I more often than not have some of my slowest days when I post something about going before I actually go.

I’m normally not very superstitious, but I’m starting to wonder… LOL

'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
DF90 Suzuki

Pattianne PM Sent

24ft Bentley
90 Honda

Nitro Z18
175 Merc

quote:
Originally posted by pattianne

Well, I’m embarrassed to post my follow up, but as I appreciate what others post about their observations and experiences, will do so. Unfortunately, did not see any of the initial replies until got back in.

David informed that they were catching at the towers from 50-70 feet, so went there to check it out at first light. Few boats already there but got into a space about 20 feet from a pontoon with two guys and a smaller fishing boat with four younger guys about 10 feet or so away. Watched the pontoon limit out by 0700. Watched the fishing boat land 16 stripers. We had two pulldowns but no hookups even though we were fishing the same depth. Finally left, after probably much too long, to check out some humps adjacent to the river channel. Marked some fish generally at 30 and 50 feet and could watch them ease up to our baits and then turn around. Tried spoons in addition to the herring to no avail. Chummed, but did not drum. Got one strike and a run before it through the hook.

Looked over a few more humps before setting on a 55 foot cut adjacent to a creek entrance, a channel, point, and shallow water. Marked lots of fish, stacked from 25 feet to the bottom. Managed one vicious strike that double the rod into the water before it broke the leader. Decided to pack it in. Have had worst days. Our bait seemed good and active all through the day up to 11.

Back to the fishing boat at the tower. Even though it was staring me in the face the entire time, did not recognize until later one major difference between them and us. They didn’t have a trolling motor, so they had tied to the tower and had their big motor running the entire time just to back them off from the tower. Was the noise and disturbed water the difference in attraction? Now I’m trying to remember if I had better downrod success in my pre I-Pilot days when I struggled for a few minut