Tactics for clear + deep rocky reservoir from the bank

[tcal4404]

I've been fishing a large reservoir lately from the bank with very clear water and some ledges where the shallowest water is 10+ ft and gets as deep as 25+fow where I can cast to. Bottom contour is large chunky rocks/boulders, little to no vegetation.

 

I've had success with jerkbaits when the fish are active in more shallow spots 3-10fow, and have observed smallies come up on several occasions. One particular deeper spot is loaded with fish smallies, rock bass, perch, lmb's and some very large smallies mixed in or cruising by. I've had a tough time getting a consistent bite in this spot as I'm not used to fishing this deep of water when the fish are finicky. Very frustrating as I can see the fish...When they're active, I'm very confident in the jerkbait bite.

 

I've tried wacky rigged senkos, t-rigged senkos, nose hooked weightless flukes, craws, jigs, swimbaits on jig heads, jerkbaits with little luck. I did land some fish on a ned rig slowly working it on the bottom so assuming finesse techniques are probably the way to go. Got a jumbo perch and a few smallies but I lose a lot of rigs.

 

I was fishing mid-afternoon on a clear sunny day which was definitely affecting how active the fish were, but they were somewhat reactive to baits. 

 

What would you guys throw? Also, I wasn't using a leader, just straight 15lb high-vis PP braid (yellow), planning on tying on a fluoro leader next time. I have a feeling the right technique  + presentation will make this a really productive spot. 

[Angry John]

1 hour ago, tcal4404 said:

What would you guys throw? Also, I wasn't using a leader, just straight 15lb high-vis PP braid (yellow), planning on tying on a fluoro leader next time. I have a feeling the right technique  + presentation will make this a really productive spot. 

A leader will not be long enough in this case and I would be looking at a topshot or switching to a clear line.  Very clear water is not where I would be using braid.  Can you get a backup spool and run something like 8 lb Berkley xl or maybe even fluorocarbon.  I hate flouro but sometimes it's the right tool for the job.  For baits something in chunk rock on the bottom is bound to get hung up.  How about a 3.3 or 3.8 swing impact or hud grass minnow.  A final bait to consider in the situation might be a spy bait.  They can be counted down and dialed to the depth you need.  

[Pacoac10]

Deep diving crankbait might be worth a shot.

[Angry John]

1 hour ago, Pacoac10 said:

Deep diving crankbait might be worth a shot.

Never seen a 10 or 8xd used from shore, that may get expensive.

[Pacoac10]

I wouldn't start with expensive cranks until I got a feel for the depth and bottom. Cheaper ones could work just as well especially if the bass have not seen that look at that depth. The clearance racks are a great thing for that.

[Jar11591]

Try at night. 

[WRB]

Sounds like you are using spinning tackle.

Bottom bumping lures will hang up in rocks when working them uphill from shore. The heavier a bottom contact lure is the faster it will get hung up. The trick is to use light weight lures that can glide over the tops of the rocks or use lighter weights.

A spy bait would be ideal and easy to use, just cast, count down and retreive.

1/8 oz dart haed jig with curl tail worm is another cast, count down and slowly retrieve.

Drop shot with 1/8 tube weight that can release when hung up will also work, expect to lose lots of weights.

Add a mono leader, not FC that sinks.

Tom

 

[tcal4404]

14 hours ago, Angry John said:

A leader will not be long enough in this case and I would be looking at a topshot or switching to a clear line.  Very clear water is not where I would be using braid.  Can you get a backup spool and run something like 8 lb Berkley xl or maybe even fluorocarbon.  I hate flouro but sometimes it's the right tool for the job.  For baits something in chunk rock on the bottom is bound to get hung up.  How about a 3.3 or 3.8 swing impact or hud grass minnow.  A final bait to consider in the situation might be a spy bait.  They can be counted down and dialed to the depth you need.  

12 hours ago, WRB said:

 

Thanks John, I have a spare reel I can load up with mono/fluoro, will give this a shot.

 

 

14 hours ago, Pacoac10 said:

Deep diving crankbait might be worth a shot.

 

13 hours ago, Angry John said:

Never seen a 10 or 8xd used from shore, that may get expensive.

 

13 hours ago, Pacoac10 said:

I wouldn't start with expensive cranks until I got a feel for the depth and bottom. Cheaper ones could work just as well especially if the bass have not seen that look at that depth. The clearance racks are a great thing for that.

 

If they seem finicky, you guys still think a crank is worth a shot?

 

 

12 hours ago, Jar11591 said:

Try at night. 

As soon as i get that new full body mosquito suit I'll give this a try lol. Bugs are rough at this lake. Still itching from this weekend....From what I've been reading the crawfish become active at night which I'm sure would make for a better bite

 

12 hours ago, WRB said:

Sounds like you are using spinning tackle.

Bottom bumping lures will hang up in rocks when working them uphill from shore. The heavier a bottom contact lure is the faster it will get hung up. The trick is to use light weight lures that can glide over the tops of the rocks or use lighter weights.

A spy bait would be ideal and easy to use, just cast, count down and retreive.

1/8 oz dart haed jig with curl tail worm is another cast, count down and slowly retrieve.

Drop shot with 1/8 tube weight that can release when hung up will also work, expect to lose lots of weights.

Add a mono leader, not FC that sinks.

Tom

 

 

Thanks WRB. I did throw some 1/8oz jig heads + small keitech but didn't give them the time+patience it probably needed.

 

For the tube + dropshot rig. Is that a dropshot rig with a tube weight+hook as the bottom of the rig and a second bait up higher? If so, reminds me of hi-lo rigs I use for flounder.