Originally Posted by
CrappiePappy
I'd say a 1/4 - 1/8oz should do the trick for those depths. You can use regular "spoons", Kastmasters, or even blade baits. What you're trying to do is mimic a dying/injured baitfish.
You also might want to consider using braid, if you're forced to fish that deep with a jig. That will jack your sensitivity up a couple of notches. I've also found that using a slightly stiffer rod, braid, and placing a split shot sinker about 8-12" above the jig, will help you feel even light "taps" (makes the light taps feel like "thumps").
As for the "cloud" ... it may even be plankton. :dono But, if it's more of a "ball" or "cloud" shape, it's likely some form of schooling "minnow" or small fish. Can you zoom your electronics down on those "clouds" and see if the image shows the relative size of the individual "whatevers" making the cloud ?? A screen shot image would also be helpful. And don't rule out it being Shad ... many lakes that "aren't supposed to have them", do indeed have them.
Even way over here on the Eastern side ... our Crappie have been down around the 25-30' depths over the last few weeks, and some are still catching them in the 15-20' depths, since the water temps have fallen from near 70deg to less than 60deg.
Crappie can't read, so they don't know where they're "supposed to be" :Rofl They go wherever they want, whenever they want, and it's usually due to the prevailing conditions. They'll seek security, even if that means depth rather than cover. They'll be close to a food source, and in the most comfortable water temps & oxygen levels they can find. Falling water will drive them away from the banks & out into open water or on deep cover.
Another thing to consider : if the "fish" are well under the "clouds", they may just be keeping them in sight. If the fish are close to the clouds (within a few feet), then they're likely looking to pick off any that stray from the school.
... cp :kewl