Biglittle8

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This☝️ sometimes I won't get a hit until I burn a trap full speed, especially when it rips through the grass. A lot of times I'll start my retrieve at full speed then slow it down as I get closer to shore or the boat if I'm missing strikes. The initial burst seems to attract the fish, slowing it down at the end makes the meal to good to be true for gun-shy fish.

Welcome!

It doesn't really make much of a difference to me as far as catching fish, but I'm much more comfortable in overcast conditions. I can fish longer and not feel as whooped.

I know, that concerns me, but it's on the golf course so all I can do is tell the manager... He won't care. I've seen the otter twice once with a large bluegill in his mouth.

I don't think that's a good idea, trolling motors tend to take a beating. I know mine does. That's why shafts are flexible.

Didn't even think of that... I guess because of the size of the fish.

Caught this fish today and noticed it had what looked like a bite mark on his side. The other side was not injured. Just a quick background on the pond... There are gators, Bowfin, Pickerel and as of a couple days ago at least one Otter. The wound looks clean and was not bleeding. It looks like an arc to me, so I think it's a bite.... Maybe not!

Great fish! Wow!

My experience has been that a lot of times fish will be on or near the shoreline that the wind is blowing toward to wait for bait that is blown in. In just about any weather, I cast parallel to the bank when fishing from shore. Then I will fan out in an arc if I'm not having any luck. Look for spots where the water narrows and creates a funnel if you will. As far as baits, spinner baits can be difficult to cast in the wind, but I still will use them. A lipless crankbait like a Rat-L-Trap work really well in windy conditions because of the vibration they give off. Also, I find a chatterbait to be a good windy day bait to use for shore fishing. As far as casting with or into the wind, if you're casting parallel with the shore that the wind is blowing towards, you just have to compensate by casting out a little further. There are some anglers on this site that can give you some better tips I'm sure, but this is what I have learned over the years. Good luck!

And a nice first fish it is!

Today's bounty! Both on Z-Man Chatterbait with Baby Brush Hog in pumpkin. Was cool and very windy this am, but got hot late morning.

This☝️

Nothing wrong with a 3 lb fish.

I use T-rigs a lot. I have caught fish on the fall, swimming the bait, dredging the bottom and hopping. In my opinion, it's about #1- getting it in front of fish. #2- Creating slight action with your rod tip. If you're catching fish on jigs, you can catch them with a T-rig. Just use the same technics. You'll get it!

I use the Texas rig a lot, rarely do I go over 3/16. But, I do add a colored bead sometimes. If I use a magnum worm, I won't use any weight most of the time, as most hits occur on the fall.

I used to use a rig a lot like a drop shot when I was a kid. Caught plenty of Smallies on it. Also, a lot of Sheepshead. Substitute the crawler for a Crawfish or Crayfish as we called it, on a Carolina rig you may have better luck and avoid the smaller panfish.

This rig (split shot) works really well for drift fishing sheer drop offs along the shoreline.

This☝️... I just started to use Edge Hot Sauce this winter which is intended to simulate the slimecoat all fish have. If it makes em hold it longer, that helps! I even put some on my hardbaits. I also use JJ's on trailers and worms because it's easy to use. Does it work? I like to think so.

Good explanation by Big Angus... I like to find cover with my SI , mark it ,move in and use my DI to see if there are any fish on it. I especially like drop offs that are close to large flats in the summer. If I'm pond fishing, I look for things that catch my eye... Like a point, an area of grass mat that sticks out further then the rest or a place where the water narrows significantly. I find that the wind can also play a part in spot selection. I try to fish banks that the wind is blowing towards.

Hope all turns out well!

+1on the Paca chunks.

I use them a lot in ponds. I throw a shallow square bill( 5 or 6 ft max) like other posters said you can use your tip to control depth when coming into shore. Also, if you use a crank and stop retrieve, the lure will float up when you stop (if it's not suspending) I have had good success with this method. You're going to get weeds on some casts but that's not necessarily a bad thing, that's where the fish are. I only crank fast enough to feel the action on my rod. But , I will rip it through the weeds... sometimes when it breaks loose it will trigger a strike.

Caught 2 today, one on a copper willow blade spinner and one on a Z-Man Chatterbait tipped with a Baby Brush Hog.

SI saves a lot of time, that's for sure.