FishTax

I've always heard cranks should be grinding on the bottom. If it's 30 fow that's not gonna happen for me, does it make sense to throw like a dt12 to be at bait level or would a keitec on a jig head or chatterbait or something be better? Hitting middle of the column is like a foreign language to me.

A little over an hour drive. If you ever come down and want to go hit me up, I'll meet you there!

Last time out, it seemed the bait was suspended about 15' deep in the channels (25-35' water depth) from what I could see on my old depth finder. If that's the case again tomorrow, how would you approach that? I've always thought suspended fish are the hardest to catch, probably a mental block for me. Seems a jig or my other slow confidence baits probably aren't a good fit for that setup. Also, water clarity is about 2', stained water most of the time out there. Meant to put that in the original post.

This is Lake Mackintosh in Burlington, NC, my home lake. I fish a pdl kayak, have an old depth finder, and prefer this stretch because it's electric only so I'm not getting rocked by gas motors all day and can fish more and hang on for my life less... What stands out to you on the attached depth chart? I feel like this lake is relatively featureless. All wooded, no docks or anything. I've been able to catch them on points and laydowns some, but am looking to expand my skills and approaches. Water temps are in low 80s right now, I'm hoping to get out tomorrow morning, conditions are 5mph wind, sporadic cloud cover, will be in mid-80s by lunch. I like slow fishing, jigs, shaky heads, etc., but have a pretty full tackle box and am open to trying anything. I need some coaching on anything that involves water depth beyond 12', although that may be a different thread topic. Looking forward to learning from you all. The collective knowledge on this forum blows my mind and I learn so much even though I don't post so much, so thanks to each of you for your contributions!

Shaky Head is my #1 confidence lure, and I'd say over half my time on the water is tossing that around. I rarely 'power fish', when I have in the past I haven't had good luck.

I tried the Kastking stuff from Amazon. It runs very small, the one size fits all hat won't fit my head so I don't recommend that. I think the gloves/gaiter are fine but don't have anything to compare to.

Caught this one yesterday, a little over 20". Didn't put it on the scale bc I wanted to get it back in the water fast. Was very hot out, high 80s. Tons of fishing pressure, second day of tournaments on our lake (1100 acre). This was my only catch, caught her on a point in about 6' near deep water on a shaky head. I came to the point in my kayak right as some tournament guys were leaving it in a bass boat, cussing because they couldn't catch anything. I never catch numbers here but usually get decent size, and usually on shaky head or something finesse on this lake and always being sneaky and quiet in my yak.

I'll jump on the chatter bait and whopper plopper list, although I probably haven't given them enough throws to write them off yet. Sounds like my NC brothers like Seibert bladed jig,, so the bait monkey requires me to order that on my next order. ?

I just started using it this year. I like getting bit, so it’s fine. Caught a crappie off a beaver dam on one last outing. I’m an accountant so I’m cheap, so part of why I like Ned is I recycle busted senkos and cut them down for Ned. shaky head is still my favorite over Ned for LMB. Bigger fish and still good amount of bites.

I’ve also experienced this a lot. Great tips here, I’ll be trying the jig next time out instead of SH. Thanks to everyone who chimed in, I learn so much on this forum!

I use them to prevent tangles. Drives me nuts when they get into a mess.

Sounds like a line or knot issue. I use mono or copolymer on mine. I always hear that floro can have knot issues, but someone more experienced then me would have to explain that. Shaky head will catch them, stick with it and keep trying things, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Good luck!

My Crocs shrunk really bad in the sun when I left them out to dry. They were good for kayak but I am now wearing Chocos on the kayak. I feel like they have some support, but benefits of flip flops, and awesome tan lines. I always have to go ankle deep at launch so I'm limited on shoe options, I wear waterproof hiking boots in winter.

The black finesse worm is a confidence bait for me, so I'll start there. I may try a big ribbontail, not sure if those float enough for a C rig? Is that a bad idea?

Thanks @Woody Bfor your detailed explanations on how you work baits, in this and other threads. As a less experienced angler I appreciate the tips and am taking notes for my next time on the water. on your C rig, what plastic do you like?

I've never thrown the c rig but am going to give it a try on my next outing, already rigged it up. I have a pressured lake and am hoping it'll increase my bite count. I don't mind fishing slow, and have a few off shore spots I want to drag it through. Football or pitching jig do get bit some for me. I can't get bit on swimming jig, not sure what I'm doing wrong. T rig is always faithful with a senko. I need to branch out with other baits there as well this year.

Currently about once a month because of work and family obligations. I'm going to try to start going before work some soon. My local lake was opening at 7:30 but now it's open at 630 so I have a little more flexibility as long as the ramp line isn't long.

I have an h2o ethos hd on a airdx rod and it's much better than my black max combo. Lighter weight, casts further, smoother retrieve. Similar price from what I recall. All purchased on sale.

I'm a bottom feeder. Jigs and shaky head are my go to, always tied on. I like to camp on a spot and work it thoroughly.

That's amazing all around. Great day of fishing, but sometimes the wildlife I see trumps the fish! Thanks for sharing!

I try to cover up with clothing, but am not loving the gloves feeling while fishing. I do like my huk hooded sun shirt a lot. Also hate sunblock on my hands, I feel it transfers to lures. I use spray sunblock on any uncovered area except near my eyes. I tried the face stick of sun block, easy to apply on face but it's in my kids pool bag so I usually forget it.

What jigs do you guys like for this? When I look at Seibert I’m overwhelmed by the options. Grass, brush, dock knocker, sniper, etc. if you had an all purpose which would it be? I feel I lose many in timber.

Reviving this as I'll be at the grapevine Gaylord hotel the last week of June this year. Trying to determine how often I can sneak down to the lake, conference is basically 9-4 W-fr. Not sure I'll be able to pack any fishing stuff but willing to pay for some or a guide when I get there. Anyone know if any guides cover this lake? I can Google but references are always appreciated if personal knowledge by someone here. Sounds like if I go up to bass pro I can buy a cheap combo and basic tackle to bank fish at night nearby? If I do that, is there someone local who would want the gear when I fly out or either somewhere I could donate it? I'm trying to figure out of I can pack a multi piece ugly stick in my bag and pray the airline doesn't snap it. I may just buy one and try to give to a kid if any are around. I'd love to catch some of these big Texas bass I keep hearing about... ?

@LrgmouthShad can you tell me more about Badin? I didn't want to hijack the other thread you mentioned it in. I've been to Tuckerton just above it but never Badin. They killed all the grass in T and there was so much snot grass I couldn't use half my presentations.

@Woody B I have a friend who lives on Wylie but have only fished off his dock with my kid. He has a massive pontoon which I don't think I could fish from very well, but next time I'm down I may give it a shot. Great to know they're in there!