BigTerp

I second the Zebco Dock Demon. My son at 2 or 3 went through 1 or 2 of the superhero type closed face setups. They were certainly fine, but the Dock Demon is just a nicer reel in general and the whole setup is way tougher than the superhero ones you find at Walmart. He's caught dozens of sunfish and many bass up to around 12" on it without issue. He's since graduated to my old Pflueger President (30 size) and Berkeley Lighting rod, which I also highly recommend for a kid that can handle a spinning reel.

At least you were catching!! Curious what water temps you guys found? I'm itching more and more each day to get down there. 3 weeks and counting!!

2.75" Mizmo teaser tubes. Have caught everything from smallmouth to musky to walleye on them. I've tried 3 and 3.5" but the 2.75" outperforms all other sizes by a mile.

@TOXIC Glad to see you were out and got on them on the hot side. I always appreciate your reports. I'm about to start gearing up for our annual trip to the hot side at the end of March. Last year the Ned's tore them up!! Accounted for probably 75% of our fish over 4 days. Both reactors should be pumping 100% this year. Hoping that helps us out. I'll be sure to report back after our trip. Good luck on Sunday!!

Fished the hot side from last Wednesday through Saturday. Water temps were from low 60's in pool three to high 60's/low 70's in pool 2 up towards canal 1. We didn't venture into poll 1 at all. Found plenty of fish in shallow(ish) near wood. When the wind picked up the last 2 days, wind blown secondary points were the ticket. Saw a few fish on beds in the creeks/coves of pool 2 and 3, but not so many as to say the spawn is in full swing. Ned rig in green pumpkin was the clear winner accounting for I'd say 90% of our fish. If it wasn't green pumpkin, it wouldn't get bit. We only found crappie on day 1 and that was under Millpond bridge. Accounted for a bunch of nice crappie, but we couldn't get on them after that. Overall it was one of our better years in terms of numbers for bass.

Yeah, we are down there every year during maintenance time (end of March). The way they schedule it we've only been down there twice with both reactors at 100% in the past 7 years (2017 & 2020). One of those years was the only one where we got on a sizeable school and were able to keep on them for 2 days. I'm sure the increased "current" makes a difference. As far as temps go, I always keep an eye on the output temp as we approach our trip. They stopped providing actual temps for the various pools several years ago and now publish temps based on historical data. I find those estimated temps to be far too low based on reports from others and our own experience on the lake.

Thanks man!! We have always had trouble finding a reliable pattern over there. Not sure if it's just the nature of the hot side or the fact that we are down there this time of year, ever year, where it's right in the middle of a transition period. I'll be sure to let you know how we do. Again, thanks for the tips, much appreciated!!

Nice work Toxic!! We're headed down the week after next for our annual trip. Any insight you might have for the hot side, I'm all ears!!

Thanks!! Working our way deep to shallow was the plan. I'll be sure to check out that particular point in pool 1. We've bumped there a few times in the past for sure!!

Heading to Anna on Wednesday to fish the hot side for 4 days. Any reports to share? I see that one of the reactors has been down since last week for maintenance/refueling. That, plus the cold snap last week, dropped the discharge temp down from 75 to 67/68. Wondering how that and the reduced output from the plant will effect the fishing.

Mizmo 2.75" Teaser Tubes

I've used these on a ned head and a small weighted swim hook. Very small sample size, but they did well. I think you'll like them as a small jig trailer!!

I've had that exact vest for several years. I wear it all the time when on the water and it's extremely comfortable, I forget I have it on most of the time. I'm 6'8" 240#'s and zero issues with it. I keep it on auto as I run a jet boat in a shallow rocky river. In the event I hit something and get thrown overboard I want it going off. I haven't had any unintended discharges with it, even while fishing in a thunderstorm. But my buddies have each had theirs go off leaving it in their truck and in the boat. Excessive heat seemed to be the culprit. I keep mine in the house when not in use. The auto bobbins need replaced every 3-4 years. I just replaced mine for this season as they expire this spring. You can buy the bobbins separately and just replace them when expired. I got a three pack off of Amazon for like $20. Obviously if the PFD discharges you also need to replace the CO2 cartridge.

Agreed. I leave mine unpainted and notice zero difference versus the painted ones I've used in the past.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I've been missing out by leaving my tubes and Neds behind on my largemouth trips. I'll be sure to give them a go this year!!