clemsondds

If the lake is muddy…what would you do? I assume run the lake till you find cleaner water…but say you the cleanest you can find is 1ft visibility with 48 degree water temp?

Thank you! What do you do if there are multiple places like this all over the lake…any other criteria to narrow it down? (Eg bait, water clarity, water temp…)

Just curious what it is you look for when starting out on a lake during 47-58 degree temps. Are you looking at maps before. you go to the lake and looking for topography (secondary points near flats), looking for bait near the backs of creeks, looking for points near the creek channel... Just trying to get an idea of how you start out the day... I have a friend who cruises around looking for bait before he puts a line in the water, and then I have another friend who looks for particular types of structure and when he finds it, he starts fishing...no matter what he sees on his graph or the water clarity. So just got me thinking what do most of you do during the prespawn to give yourself the highest chance of finding bass quick? Thanks

Appreciate it! Yeh, it’s a fantastic setup! But I have just found that I don’t get many times to go fish, and so when I do, I have to sit there and choose between the kayak and the boat and it just stresses me out so I figured I would just eliminate one of them. And my whole family would, shoot me if I got rid of the boat lol

Bought this new from rock outdoors! It’s the perfect, nicest pedal drive kayak you can buy! I did a ton of research before I purchased this and it is definitely the best! Had them install the boonedox landing gear! This also includes everything you need to get started! Only reason I am selling is I already have a full size boat, and I thought I would have more time to do smaller lakes…but I just don’t have the time. I had it out one time and it worked like a dream!! It was so much fun! The 106 fits perfectly in the bed of a truck and is a cinch to get in and out to the water with the landing gear. Then when in the water, it just folds right up behind the boat so there’s no extra trip back to the truck. Also comes with brand new paddle ($180) and nrf chinook life jacket ($150). Take advantage of my stupidity and rushing in to buying this without thinking it all through ha. I am in the triad area of North Carolina, and will be happy to show it to you. Let me know if you have any questions. Pickup only $2300

Thanks! Yeh, I thought about the flippin/pitchin rod. Curious how the sensitivity is on it. Looking at several models. 902c, jerkbait rod, chatterbait rod and a flippin pitchin rod (7'5H).

I have to pick a new rod from the lineup due to mine breaking. Anyone have a favorite in the new lineup? Thanks!

Had a good time! Definitely tons of bait in the backs of creeks on points. My dad and I crushed them the first day. Caught larger sizes on docks near secondary points on a jig. Thanks everyone for your help!

Thank you all! I picked up another poison adrena 6'11m just bc a local shop had one and he gave me a good deal on it. I'm going to try that and see if it works pretty good; if not, I know several other techniques I could use that rod for and will be back at the search ha. I do really want a nrx+ 842c...hard to pay that much for a moving bait rod, but I just find that NRX rods are almost always worth it. Thanks again for everyone's recommendations

Yeh, that's a good suggestion. I already have one of those lol. It's always got something else tied on though. Maybe I'll pick up a second one. I think I was going for something around the 7'2M area.

Sorry…forgot to mention…casting only. Not a fan of spinning rods. I have them and use them…but only when it’s a clear advantage to using them. Thanks!

Lost my rod that use for small swim baits today. So need to replace it. Just curious what you all are using. Thinking either NRX, Steez, GLX, or MB p5. I know you don’t have to use an ultra high end rod, but I like lightweight rods and just enjoy having that increased sensitivity. Anyone use a NRX, Steez, or something else? Let me know what you use. Thanks

Appreicate the feedback. Do you find the areas where houses/docks are less dense are more productive? For example, the western side of the lake vs the easter/Cornelius/charlotte side. Or does it not matter?

Hey, just wondering if anyone has any updated tips on lake Norman? Heading there next week. Mid lake.

Thanks! I’m going to be hopping from bass boat to kayak so trying to figure out how to sort things. Obviously can carry a lot more tackle in the boat. So trying to decide if I need to just buy all new gear and have completely separate setups, or if I can put a few 3700’s together that would work for both. Thanks for all your thoughts

Just curious what tackle everyone carry’s. Lots of specific technique boxes, or more multi-technique containers. Thanks

Thank you! Anything kayak wise that makes the kayak better or more resistant to problems? For example, I've heard some getting a keel guard and also curious how I should store the kayak while not in use. I have it inside a storage unit. Will prob use the kayak once a month or so. Thanks again

Thank you! Do most of you wear a full pfd or the inflatable? In NC, we either can wear an inflatable (has to be on at all times) or have a full pfd but can just be in/on the boat. I already have an inflatable but went ahead and picked up a chinook nrs just to try out. Thanks

Thanks! Well, the place I bought the kayak from said they have done quite a few boonedox setup with a ot sportsman and have never had a problem. So I guess we will see... Any brand jacket and paddle you recommend?

Just bought an OT PDL 106. Now I need to upfit it! Obviously there will be things that I will want to try the boat out before deciding on. But figured I would get your guy's thoughts and see what you would put on your boat first thing. I did get the Boonedox wheel setup for it. But I need everything...I am brand new to kayaking. So jacket, paddle.... I know I have heard that there are some great aftermarket options...just would like to get your feedback! Thank you all!

OK, so finished out the week. Air temps ranged from 35 to 63 for the rest of the week. Water temp dropped to around 57 to 60. Whoever mentioned Texas rig is the winner. I started flipping the small creature pegged, and found they were about, 5 feet off the bank under laydowns. Friday morning, I finished one Cove for about an hour and caught five, all 2.5-4lbs. I did catch a couple on squareBill later in the afternoon. it’s amazing how dialed and you can get after fishing a few days. I never get to fish more than three or four hours at a time and it’s always tough. Saturday evening I went out with my kids for a boat ride and my daughter said I could cast five times, caught a 3 pound bass on the second cast. And then next morning while taking the boat to the boat ramp, I fished for another five minutes while waiting for my wife and caught another 2.5lb. I now have a lot more confidence now in Texas rigged baits. The right rod helped as well…switched to an nrx+ 873 and it was amazing! I always used it for football jigs, but now it’s my dedicated tr rod. Thanks again everyone for your help! I tried a lot of other stuff…tried drop shot a good bit but just couldn’t get them to commit…and the 20mph+ winds didn’t help. Also tried an underpin, a-rig, lipless, chatterbait…and a few others. But the Texas rig was the deal that week.

Thank you! MB 110+1 jr...my confidence bait...my last two PB's were on a jerkbait...I wish they were on a squarebill...but the big ones just seem to prefer the jb...at least in my experience. I'm trying to fish a jig more...but still haven't gotten the results that the jb does. Here's a pic...sorry for poor image quality...max resolution for the site

Update: went out this morning. Not much luck. No top water bite. Worked a popper slow and fast but nothing. Caught a small bass on a lipless. And then caught a 35lb catfish on a lv500 lol! Went to a Texas rig slim paca craw and had a nice bass that broke me off. Not sure what happened…it was real shallow so maybe a rock cut it. Tried two different jerkbaits and a Texas rig senko but no luck with those. I pretty much only fish at first light. Rest of the day is with family. Thank you all for your tips! I will say that on the first day I caught an 8.2lb bass…soo I’m pretty happy even if I don’t catch another ha

I'm sure a lot of you are in this same situation, but I figured I would get your thoughts. I'm on vacation at a new lake. Been here for two days and it's been my 70's air temp with water temps from 59-64. Tonight the air temp is dropping and tomorrow morning at sunrise it will be 43. And then the next two days morning air temp will be mid 30's. How would you fish this? I assume up to today they were close to spawning. I'm guessing they will back off a little...maybe to docks or secondary points? I caught one this morning on a pop max and a few on a jerkbait. I know water temps won't drop as quick as air, but would you guys even mess with topwater when the air temp drops that much? Would you go straight to finesse all day when there's a 30-40 degree drop in air temp? I know how to winter fish...but when they are so close to spawn and then get a 3 day drop this drastic...not sure what they will do. Thank you all for your thoughts!

That’s a good point. Just watched a good video Jason Christie put out on bed fishing. He pretty much said the same thing. He said he will focus on a bed but mostly likes to run the bank fishing fast. what’s your favorite bait for both? Shallow fast, I tend to stick with a squarebill if water clarity is right. And flip with a small creature (paca slim craw).