Ultra clear water fishing

[JWall14]

I went to a forest preserve lake yesterday knowing nothing about it except that there are lots of bass. The water was crystal clear (8ft) for all the rain we’ve been having. I saw multiple fish up shallow but none of them would take anything. I fished a jerkbait, wacky worm, whopper plopper, and my companions fished a popper, squarebill, wacky worm, spook(2 nibbles) and a spinnerbait. Seeing that the fish were shallow I focused on a grassy shallow flat but couldn’t get any fish to hit. I say at least 15 quality bass but none landed. Any ideas? Yes the lake is a bit pressured but I saw one guy get a 2lber on a spook and a dink on a beaver. Any clue what to try next? I didn’t see any beds but I have a feeling some fish were starting to bed.

[Wildbillb]

Long casts

[greentrout]

most of the time but not always ... out comes the spinning gear with 6 and 8 lb. test with smallish lures ... only time i use rooster tails ...  desoto national forests ...

 

good fishing ...

[Jig Man]

I have found that fluorocarbon line works best for me in clear water. 

[clh121787]

If there is monsters in there glides and huds

[Fishes in trees]

First, I'd recommend fluorocarbon line - lb test, whatever you feel comfortable with.  Secondly, in that situation ( visible fish shallow, not committing ) , my next move is to find the deep edge of the weedline and put a lot of time in there.  I'd lead off with a wacky senko, maybe parallel the deep weed line with a bait like a #5 or #7 Shad Rap, maybe a Brewer Slider worm, or some finesse plastic fished on a slider jig hook.

 

The prior suggestion for big swim baits seem intriguing, but I've no experience in using those baits so I can't speak to that either way.

[GreenPig]

I'd definitely go with 6 to 8 lb FC line and try slow swimming or dragging a Ned rig. 

[anderb54]

I fish clear water a lot, and my advice in that situation is to go either small and finesse (dropshot, Neko rig, finesse jig, etc.), or throw big baits (glidebaits, big paddletails, etc.) on the break into deeper water.

[Fishin' Fool]

Spinning gear. 6 to 8 pound fluorocarbon. Small Keitechs swing impact fat either 2.8" or 3.3". Slow and steady retrieve.