Trolling Motor Only Lake

[FishTank]

I went out on a small, trolling motor only lake today and did pretty good in my little boat and trolling motor.  Here is the odd thing though, on this same lake and they were using only their trolling motors, I saw two new Ranger boats, one Skeeter, one high end Lund (big lake size) and one Triton.  

 

My question is why?  The fishing was just OK.  The larger boats were not in the way but why put a $30,000+ boat on a little lake.  Just doesn't make sense to me.  I would have taken these awesome boats on a bigger lake.  The other weird thing, the guy with the brand new $50,000 + Ranger boat was fishing with a bobber and a rod and reel that sort of did not go with the boat.  It left me scratching my head.  I don't hold his fishing against him or his choice in boats.  It's was odd, like seeing a Ferrari toe a U-Hual. 

 

Any of you guys see anything like this?

[Jim Mac]

Never. You should have filmed it and put it on Youtube !!

[Bluebasser86]

I do it with my Stratos on some of our trolling motor only lakes. Simpliest answer for me, they're closer than the big lakes, so if I only have a few hours I get more fishing time that way. Maybe the fishing was more than just okay for them, or maybe they grew up fishing them so they're out there for the nostalgia.

[Sun Fish]

I do it with my Stratos on some of our trolling motor only lakes. Simpliest answer for me, they're closer than the big lakes, so if I only have a few hours I get more fishing time that way. Maybe the fishing was more than just okay for them, or maybe they grew up fishing them so they're out there for the nostalgia.

This, usually proximity to home and time available to fish are why I am on the local trolling lakes often with my bass boat.  As far as the Ranger worm and bobber guy, maybe he was crappie fishing or something? 

[RAMBLER]

I've seen the "big boat" and cane pole fishing quite often, down here.  It's usually "spec" or bream fishermen.  Not every fisherman thinks bass is the supreme endeavor in life.  If you want fish to eat, you fish for what you can catch easily.  Why go bass fishing all day and get nothing when you can fill a bucket, almost any day, with panfish or catfish.

[slonezp]

Sometimes we just want to go fishing. I was out last weekend bluegill fishing on a small lake with my 20ft Lund. Not TM only but I never had to fire up the big motor except to load the boat on the trailer. Anchored in 4fow bobber fishing in 2fow. I had some people over for a fish fry and, what was left is in the freezer. 

I was in Sturgeon Bay fishing smallies the weekend prior, Lake Wisconsin yesterday fishing for white bass, and if the weather clears up today, I may just go bluegill fishing again. Next weekend another Lake Michigan trip planned weather permitting.

 

Better to have it and not need it 

[Slade House]

 reason being that about 4 or so of the 5 largest bass ever caught were caught in trolling motor only lakes

here is a 6.9 lb super fat mouthed girl i caught a week ago at castaic lagoon , trolling motor only lake.  and a boat don't make a fisherman 

 

[FlipSide]

They probably didn't feel like dealing with the holiday weekend drunken idiots running big motors

[Team9nine]

They probably didn't feel like dealing with the holiday weekend drunken idiots running big motors

 

^^ This ^^

 

Went to a TM only lake just the other day strictly to avoid the jet skis, water skiers, wakeboarders, and various other drunk, loud and partying people who only launch their boats twice a year and have no sense of common courtesy or general water safety. Already seen video of one vehicle at the local big lake that floated off the ramp and sunk. Managed to catch 80 bass in just 4 hours while only having to fish among 8 or 9 other fishermen mostly chasing bluegills and catfish. Saw two big bass boats and a nice Lund there, too. Very enjoyable trip. Our lakes will return to normal beginning Tuesday.

 

-T9   

[FishTank]

They probably didn't feel like dealing with the holiday weekend drunken idiots running big motors

 

A couple of these guys were drinking but it seemed within reason.  A few were out of hand but the conservation officers were all over it. 

 

As far as the bobber guys, the set ups they had were like the ones you get bubble wrapped at a discount store.  It was like they bought the boat and fishing was not really it's purpose. They were also making Margaritas with a blender.  

[Ski213]

Maybe they were just chilling out. Sometimes I get caught up in the big boat, find a pattern, cash a check way of fishing. Don't get me wrong, I love fishing wide open for bass but that's not the only way I like to fish. Sometimes it's nice to just grab a tub of worms and a bobber and sit and watch. No science, no pressure, just fishing to be fishing.

[kjfishman]

For many years I was dog on a short leash, on call 24 x7, so I fished small electric only lakes close to home, Now I am retired and the price of gas is high so again I find myself on these small lakes frequently.  In Missouri we have some "no wake lakes" also so you can motor around.  I fish the small lakes from a yak also but the bass boat needs to get out of the garage.

[LuckyGia]

I do it on occasion . Couple of small lakes here only allow tm.

I do it because there are nice fish in those small bodies of water.

I would bet that just because you think the fish are just okay, they might be catching good size fish.

But then again, I make a real effort to not judge people or their actions.