When fish are moving to 20-30ft of water, I struggle big time, just cant buy a bite.. what kinda tips can you guys give me, what should i be looking for on the sonar to locate these fish? and what should i do once i locate them The lake is pretty clear all year
If you locate them in that depth of water, then drop a drop shot on their heads and be ready. At that depth, you can fish vertically for them. If you dont like drop shotting, you can always back off and throw a jig or a spoon down to them.
'02 Gambler Outlaw
'02 Mercury 200 EFI 2.5L
I really like a football jig at that depth, drag it if they are on the bottom and rip it off and let it fall back if they are suspended above the bottom. I'd start looking for drops, ledges or big flats at the depth you're targeting.
sometimes they suspend at certain depths.determine what depth theyre holdin at then look for points ,drops,ledges for fish at that depth.if theyre in open water then it gets tough.if theyre holdi at 20' and your draggin the bottom at 30' your not gonna get bit.the easiest baits are the ones mentioned above . drop shots and spoons,you can fish these verticle.
Mike Clemons-Lake Butler, Fla..
97 Gambler Intimidater / 200 EFI Merc
I have to agree with the first post. When the fish are deeper than 15', I just can't get them to bite. Today, at one of the small lakes I fish in New England, was a prime example. It was very windy, and the water was only 67 degrees after nearly a month of rain. There were zero fish in and around the shoreline cover. So, I used the lake map and my electronics. I checked all of the points and drop offs. Eventually, I found an area where there were numerous fish showing up on the electronics. They were in 20' of water, about 3 feet off the bottom.
I tried everything. I tried drop shotting, several different deep crankbaits, carolina rig with both a lizard and a senko, several different jigs (no I did not try a jigging spoon or a tail spinner - I don't own these lures). Not one nibble. Nothing. This happens to me every time the fish are deep. I just can't get them to bite. I keep reading articles that say to stick with it (regarding deep water fishing). It's pretty hard when you can't get any bites to give you any feedback.
Ideas?
I've done well with drop-shotting, but usually pitching it toward a rocky drop-off. I'll be watching this thread for open water tips......
25th Anniversary Champion 187 SCX Elite
Mercury 175 EFI
Perception Pescador Pro 120 Kayak
Aquos 10ft Pontoon Boat
Most people fish in 15 feet of water or less. However in summer deeper water that's adequately oxygenated generally offers bass more stable and comfortable temperatures. Summer lakes will stratify into layers of warmer, oxygen rich water near the surface and cold water nearly devoid of oxygen near the bottom. The two layers of water meet at the thermocline, and that's where the fish will be.
As long as bass can breathe and feed, they usually won't move far in deep water, as they don't feel the effects of changes in temperature or barometric pressure as much as do bass in shallow waters. In addition, they don't sense boat noises and feel fishing pressure as much as shallow bass do. If anglers can find one deep bass, they can usually land a pile from that one spot.
The challenge lies in finding that spot ;)
jaroush
maybe the fish were not bass. i remember finding the same kind of thing. it turned out they were walleyes. at least that is what i caught there.
I am having trouble finding the thermocline. I have the sensitivity on my X135 all the way up, but it is not picking the thermocline up. Is there another setting I need to change so I can pick it up?
In deep water your natural inclination is to go smaller/lighter (drop shot), but don't be afraid of going bigger/heavier. I often use a 3/4oz football jig in 25-30ft. Remember a lot of time deep water fish are suspended and not actively feeding so you need them to react.
The best way to visualize deep water is this: just think most bassboats are average 20ft, picture your boat vertical. Now, 20ft is not as tall/deep as your mind believes, is it....
I figure out at what depth the fish are holding, in my experience they generally aren't on the bottom. Then if it is 15' or less I will throw deep diving crankbaits, less than 8 I'll throw medium divers,.... If they are right on the bottom I will try a jig and pig or a shakey head worm, if that doesn't work I move on. Usually the cranks have worked for me, I'm just really getting into this deep water stuff myself this year and I'm liking the results so far. In the past I considered 8' deep
manns 20+ 30+ and hot lips and big ripping spoons and big worms are always my top choice for deep water or a 3/8 ounce shakey head and just drag it slow
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