Thread: hello

Welcome aboard Nwest. This time of year, I would fish a little deeper. You can try different depths. Just how shallow is your lake? I've caught them in 17 ft of water before. Another thing that seems to help me catch bigger ones in clear water, is to using a spinning outfit to cast away from the boat. You could use some slip bobbers to fish deeper.

Welcome aboard from IL.

As for the gills, it really depends on the water. I've been catching them in 12 feet of water on one of the lakes I fish, and in less than 3 feet on another. If the gills are heavily populated there you'll probably find them all over.

The max depth of the lake is around 14 feet. I have "seen" alot of fish I think are bluegills or shellcrackers on the depth finder but cannot get then to bite. It has Blugill all over I but most of them are small/shallow. I have pulled some nice ones out but just cannot find them on a consistant basis.

Originally Posted by Nwest

Now the magic question is what depth of water do you find the bigger gills in this time of year? I am fishing mailnly 3.5 feet and shallower setting my bait at about 24 inches.
I see alot of fish in deeper water but have nat been albe to entice them yet:D

If you're fishing 2' deep, I wouldn't expect to catch a lot of big bluegills, except for really early or really late in the day. Also, if you're catching loads of small fish, that might be because there are ONLY small fish in there. If there aren't enough bass/catfish to thin out the gills, you end up with a lot of stunted gills.

For deeper water, I'd adjust the float so it's closer to the bottom. I usually start off at 6" off the bottom.

Also, look for subtle changes in bottom structure. In a shallow lake like that, you probably won't find any big drop-off's. But a drop from 3.5 to 4' or 5' to 6' might be the biggest in the lake (and therefore, the most attractive to fish.)

Originally Posted by Nwest

The max depth of the lake is around 14 feet. I have "seen" alot of fish I think are bluegills or shellcrackers on the depth finder but cannot get then to bite.

In that case, I'd focus on the 6-12' range. Also, try a smaller jig head and lighter line. Think "finesse".

NWest
I was born in BG Ky,

Welcome from Alabama. The people on this site always try and help others out.

old ship

Originally Posted by shipahoy41

NWest
I was born in BG Ky,

Welcome from Alabama. The people on this site always try and help others out.

old ship

Thanks, I like it so far, alot of good reading.