Advising a newbie on how to fish?

[simko]

Hi Everyone

A while back I posted asking for tackle reecommendations ...

background: on friday, I am driving up to stay at two cottages, I am bringing my kayak ( a sit inside, non fishing kayak), and want to do some bass fishing... I will be bringing a few rods and hopefully taking my niece fishing at the first spot, and my friends son when we go to the second cottage.

 

I was able to get some images of the lakes i will be going to, the first is called red stone lake in Ontario, Canada. I have posted a picture here, the red star is the cottage I will be staying at, the depths are measured in meters.  [IMG]https://imgur.com/mZOSEAa[/IMG]

 

The next lake I will be at is called kashagawigamog lake, here is a picture of the area [IMG]https://imgur.com/XReYEEi[/IMG]

again, the red star is the cottage i will be staying at.

 

I guess my question for today is.... WHAT DO I DO? :). Should I be staying close to shore , looking for structure and fishing in cover? Or, should I go to any of the areas where I see drop offs and try dropping things like senkos, texas rigged worms or drop shot rigs? Unfortunately I do not have access to a depth finder/fish finder.

 

The tackle I have on hand:

 

2 med-heavy rods (one spinning, one baitcaster) both with 30lb power pro

2 medium action spinning rods with high vis 12lb mono

1 ultralite (hoping to catch some panfish to keep kids happy).

 

lures:

Hedden super spook

Sexyshad super fluke

Senkos

Fat Ika

zoom horny toad

swimming jigs

some small ned rig (i forget the name)

zoom trick worms

lots of other misc plastics, I dont remember exactly what is on the list.

https://imgur.com/mZOSEAahttps://imgur.com/mZOSEAa

 

Sorry everyone I posted prematurely and cannot figure out how to edit the first post.

Anyways, If anyone can give me some pointers on how to work these areas i would really appreciate it!

[Sphynx]

Well, given your location I am guessing that your after smallmouth? Important to know which your chasing, we would also need more information about the environmental variables to be able to give you a hard solution, bass behavior is heavily influenced by a number of them, oxygen content in the water, water temps heavily affect activity levels, and also affect the bait, which is very important to finding smallmouth in particular, best I can suggest with any confidence right now is look for the bait, you'll probably have found the fish, if you see a bass munch a crawfish off a rock, your wanting to imitate craws in the rocks, if you see them chasing shad, imitate that, but no bait? No bass.

[scaleface]

Nothing wrong with fishing visible cover . Make precise underhand cast by  selecting the  lures that, weight wise, match your equipment best . It doesnt take long to get it down . Overhand lobs might catch a few fish,  low trajectory precise casting might catch you a few dozen .

[WRB]

Maybe a member from Southern or SouthEastern Ontario can help you better then me.

The lakes look very similar to Western Ontario Canadian Shield lakes. 

Smallmouth are the colors predominate bass and very aggressive around reefs and islands. Jerk baits, top water and soft plastics all work. Drop shot using the Medium spinning outfits with 1/8 weight and Roboworm Oxblood w/lt red flake 4 1/2” to 6” will catch bass. Keitech Fat Impact 3.8 on 3/16 oz glass head jig in anything light green.

Enjoy your trip?

Tom

PS, 8 lb clear mono.

[simko]

14 hours ago, Sphynx said:

Well, given your location I am guessing that your after smallmouth? Important to know which your chasing, we would also need more information about the environmental variables to be able to give you a hard solution, bass behavior is heavily influenced by a number of them, oxygen content in the water, water temps heavily affect activity levels, and also affect the bait, which is very important to finding smallmouth in particular, best I can suggest with any confidence right now is look for the bait, you'll probably have found the fish, if you see a bass munch a crawfish off a rock, your wanting to imitate craws in the rocks, if you see them chasing shad, imitate that, but no bait? No bass.

Hi, Sorry I wasnt specific enough, I believe this lake has small and largemouth. Is there a website that would list these environmental variables?

13 hours ago, scaleface said:

Nothing wrong with fishing visible cover . Make precise underhand cast by  selecting the  lures that, weight wise, match your equipment best . It doesnt take long to get it down . Overhand lobs might catch a few fish,  low trajectory precise casting might catch you a few dozen .

Thanks! I'll try to be as precise as possible... my underhand casting is not that great but will get lots of practice i guess!

12 hours ago, WRB said:

Maybe a member from Southern or SouthEastern Ontario can help you better then me.

The lakes look very similar to Western Ontario Canadian Shield lakes. 

Smallmouth are the colors predominate bass and very aggressive around reefs and islands. Jerk baits, top water and soft plastics all work. Drop shot using the Medium spinning outfits with 1/8 weight and Roboworm Oxblood w/lt red flake 4 1/2” to 6” will catch bass. Keitech Fat Impact 3.8 on 3/16 oz glass head jig in anything light green.

Enjoy your trip?

Tom

PS, 8 lb clear mono.

Hi WRB, always a pleasure to hear from you!

OK, I will downsize lines on couple of rods! My shopping list was heavily influenced by you :).

Will update in the fishing reports with pictures when im back!

 

[scaleface]

2 minutes ago, simko said:

Thanks! I'll try to be as precise as possible... my underhand casting is not that great but will get lots of practice i guess!

Weight is key . If I'm continually casting to the left the weight is too light . Too my right its too heavy . 

[simko]

5 minutes ago, scaleface said:

Weight is key . If I'm continually casting to the left the weight is too light . Too my right its too heavy . 

Very interesting! I have a wide range of weights from 1/16 to 1/2 oz... ill try a variety, staying light mostly.

[simko]

Im not sure how helpful this link is, but this is the cottage that is being rented, i see a couple of dock photos... would it be smart to walk out early morning from shore and try to throw something just beside the dock, or even on top of the dock and drag it into the water?

https://haliburtoncottages.com/cottages/log-manor/

dock photos

 

[gunsinger]

I'd fish any dock I could, especially for LMB and especially if there is deeper water nearby.  Not sure about how Smallies relate to that kind of structure.

[Sphynx]

2 hours ago, simko said:

Hi, Sorry I wasnt specific enough, I believe this lake has small and largemouth. Is there a website that would list these environmental variables?

Thanks! I'll try to be as precise as possible... my underhand casting is not that great but will get lots of practice i guess!

Hi WRB, always a pleasure to hear from you!

OK, I will downsize lines on couple of rods! My shopping list was heavily influenced by you :).

Will update in the fishing reports with pictures when im back!

 

By environmental variables I am mostly talking about weather, is it sunny or cloudy? Windy or calm? Clear water or dirty? Lots of open water or lots of grass? Rocky/hard bottom or muddy/soft one? Water temperature? Current? Options for cover like docks or grass mats or Lilly pads? All of this and the presence of food should give you a reasonable chance of locating feeding fish, that's the hard part, once you find them, it has been my experience that there are usually lots of "right" lures, for kids, I'd say about a 1/4 or 5/16 weighted Texas rigged senko/stick bait of your choice will probably be a fantastic choice, not really a wrong way to fish it, if you want to be safe, bring a couple bags in a green pumpkin based color, and a couple bags in a black and (insert color here) flake, there should be hundreds, maybe thousands of posts here about locating bass in various times of the year in various conditions, probably more than a few articles too. If none of that helps you feel confident in being able to put the kids on fish, find a local sporting goods store or bait shop and ask some folks there, if they comment that xyz product can't sit for long, there's a good chance it's because it's working and guys are stocking up, many of them also have a board showing fishing reports on local bodies of water, they can be plenty specific "Shad colored squarebill fished quickly in rip rap is catching numbers and size this week on Lake A."

 

In the end, my best advice is to try to make the entire experience a positive one for the kids, getting skunked is always a possibility, even the pro's turn in 0 fish days, but if you make the entire trip fun with or without fish, it will probably inspire them to want to go again. 

[snake95]

I'm originally from northeastern Ontario just north of where you are showing and now in Georgia.  I fish Ontario each year for smallmouth and largemouth.  I don't know the lake personally but  based on location I would wager that you will find largemouth and smallmouth both in there.  The perception in the US is that Ontario is smallmouth country, and while that is true of course, there are lots of lakes with largemouth up to North Bay area.

 

If it were me I would try to fish very early, and yes near docks and cover.  

 

My picks of the lures you listed are the senkos and trickworms, fished weightless, and the ned rigs.

 

The Ikas are also a fine choice.

 

You could also add weights to the trickworms (T rig), especially for fishing deeper.

 

You might also get bit on the toads fished near cover or weeds but highly likely to get pike using that method.

 

If you can find rocky drop offs ("ledges" in the US) those are great spots for smallmouth and your ned rigs should do well, cast, drop and let fall.

 

I hate to encourage you to buy more gear - you have way more than enough, but 

small grubs can be added to the ned rigs to quickly and easily turn a ned rig into a reaction bait that also catches yellow perch and walleye.

 

I would be very confident I could catch both species in there with your ned rigs and the spinning rod and nothing else.

 

Try to keep it as simple as you can with the rods and baits, and you will catch more fish.

 

Good luck!

1 hour ago, gunsinger said:

I'd fish any dock I could, especially for LMB and especially if there is deeper water nearby.  Not sure about how Smallies relate to that kind of structure.

Smallies will also cluster around the dock and sometimes the schools will stand off just a bit from the dock.

Fishing the lipless bait near the dock is also a good choice for both species, even in summer, but be prepared to get snagged.

 

Given that you have kids, I would really focus on that ned rig and weightless senkos and trick worms.  Learn to T rig them.  Yes, the great Ontario bassmaters on the elite series (Gussy and the Johnston Brothers) are deadly with a drop shot!  But anything you can do to reduce connection knots, reduce decision making, and reduce the time snagged will greatly enhance your experience.  

 

I don't really believe the baits make the angler but you can't have too many ned rig heads for what you are doing up there.  Ballheads will work too.

 

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!

[ajschn06]

Can't believe I beat @roadwarrior but...

 

 

[MGF]

I say..."when in Rome..." I would get some local info. Maybe from the resort or a local tackle shop. I would give strong consideration to what they recommend for the whatever species seems dominant...might be a great walleye or trout lake. The "when in Rome thing. LOL

 

Sans local advice I might tend towards "multi specie" presentations and see where the action is.

[MGF]

Hey on a side note I see your bringing a kayak. I just started looking into them so I'm no expert but I remember reading that the sit insides fill with water and aren't much good once they flip. The recommendation was to not venture any further from shore than you're prepared to swim. Just a thought.

 

 

[simko]

20 hours ago, gunsinger said:

I'd fish any dock I could, especially for LMB and especially if there is deeper water nearby.  Not sure about how Smallies relate to that kind of structure.

I'll be the first one awake, usually by an hour or so, I'll make coffee and cast from shore to the dock and see what happens. But i guess later in the day if there are lillies or other things for fish to find shade I will do the same.

18 hours ago, Sphynx said:

By environmental variables I am mostly talking about weather, is it sunny or cloudy? Windy or calm? Clear water or dirty? Lots of open water or lots of grass? Rocky/hard bottom or muddy/soft one? Water temperature? Current? Options for cover like docks or grass mats or Lilly pads? All of this and the presence of food should give you a reasonable chance of locating feeding fish, that's the hard part, once you find them, it has been my experience that there are usually lots of "right" lures, for kids, I'd say about a 1/4 or 5/16 weighted Texas rigged senko/stick bait of your choice will probably be a fantastic choice, not really a wrong way to fish it, if you want to be safe, bring a couple bags in a green pumpkin based color, and a couple bags in a black and (insert color here) flake, there should be hundreds, maybe thousands of posts here about locating bass in various times of the year in various conditions, probably more than a few articles too. If none of that helps you feel confident in being able to put the kids on fish, find a local sporting goods store or bait shop and ask some folks there, if they comment that xyz product can't sit for long, there's a good chance it's because it's working and guys are stocking up, many of them also have a board showing fishing reports on local bodies of water, they can be plenty specific "Shad colored squarebill fished quickly in rip rap is catching numbers and size this week on Lake A."

 

In the end, my best advice is to try to make the entire experience a positive one for the kids, getting skunked is always a possibility, even the pro's turn in 0 fish days, but if you make the entire trip fun with or without fish, it will probably inspire them to want to go again. 

Good points, I will try to make this a positive experience, 0 fish days will likely end in ice cream, the kids can have some too i guess

18 hours ago, snake95 said:

I'm originally from northeastern Ontario just north of where you are showing and now in Georgia.  I fish Ontario each year for smallmouth and largemouth.  I don't know the lake personally but  based on location I would wager that you will find largemouth and smallmouth both in there.  The perception in the US is that Ontario is smallmouth country, and while that is true of course, there are lots of lakes with largemouth up to North Bay area.

 

If it were me I would try to fish very early, and yes near docks and cover.  

 

My picks of the lures you listed are the senkos and trickworms, fished weightless, and the ned rigs.

 

The Ikas are also a fine choice.

 

You could also add weights to the trickworms (T rig), especially for fishing deeper.

 

You might also get bit on the toads fished near cover or weeds but highly likely to get pike using that method.

 

If you can find rocky drop offs ("ledges" in the US) those are great spots for smallmouth and your ned rigs should do well, cast, drop and let fall.

 

I hate to encourage you to buy more gear - you have way more than enough, but 

small grubs can be added to the ned rigs to quickly and easily turn a ned rig into a reaction bait that also catches yellow perch and walleye.

 

I would be very confident I could catch both species in there with your ned rigs and the spinning rod and nothing else.

 

Try to keep it as simple as you can with the rods and baits, and you will catch more fish.

 

Good luck!

Smallies will also cluster around the dock and sometimes the schools will stand off just a bit from the dock.

Fishing the lipless bait near the dock is also a good choice for both species, even in summer, but be prepared to get snagged.

 

Given that you have kids, I would really focus on that ned rig and weightless senkos and trick worms.  Learn to T rig them.  Yes, the great Ontario bassmaters on the elite series (Gussy and the Johnston Brothers) are deadly with a drop shot!  But anything you can do to reduce connection knots, reduce decision making, and reduce the time snagged will greatly enhance your experience.  

 

I don't really believe the baits make the angler but you can't have too many ned rig heads for what you are doing up there.  Ballheads will work too.

 

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!

Don't feel bad about suggesting other stuff, I have plenty of grubs for walleye, i do indee have some pumpkin, chartreuse and white. I'll throw a bag of each in!

I will follow your lead and use less complicated things, I will stick to weightless, T rigs , carolinas, I'll probably use a heavy carolina to find drop offs.

18 hours ago, ajschn06 said:

Can't believe I beat @roadwarrior but...

 

 

Wow! I cant believe I never saw this! I sent this to the parents of the kids im taking fishing, I'll probably be the only one reading it, and im bringing all the rods, but whatever

15 hours ago, MGF said:

I say..."when in Rome..." I would get some local info. Maybe from the resort or a local tackle shop. I would give strong consideration to what they recommend for the whatever species seems dominant...might be a great walleye or trout lake. The "when in Rome thing. LOL

 

Sans local advice I might tend towards "multi specie" presentations and see where the action is.

I will try to hit up the local bait and tackle shop and see what the locals have to say

14 hours ago, MGF said:

Hey on a side note I see your bringing a kayak. I just started looking into them so I'm no expert but I remember reading that the sit insides fill with water and aren't much good once they flip. The recommendation was to not venture any further from shore than you're prepared to swim. Just a thought.

 

 

MGF this is a very good point... to be honest, if i do fish from the kayak, I will bring one cheap rod (incase I tip)... I'm not too worried about this kayak as Ive added a diy air bladder which takes up a lot of volume... I have tipped this boat before for testing, and when I use my bilge pump, it takes about 2 minutes to get the boat nearly empty and im back in paddling around.

I think i will be buying a sit on top next year, but need to figure out what model... hobie has some really cool offerings that are lightweight, which is something I will be eneding from a sit on top kayak.

 

Or i'll try to turn my old 12' aluminum into a bass boat ?!

[simko]

FISH REPORT:

Well everyone, I am back early from this cottage "vacation" it ended up being less relaxing than I hoped. Weather was hit and miss, and moods in this cottage, what I call a log mansion, were a bit mixed.

Fishing:

The kayak was very hard to keep straight with lots of wind and wakes pushing me around, I had to work hard to keep my boat perpendicular to waves.. I need to set up a rod holder and anchor system before I go fishing again.

 

The good stuff:

With the kids, I was stuck do dock fishing, the dock we were on was long and the water was very shallow, with a sandy bottom with a few scattered logs and grass. One patch of lillies was to the side about 30' away in shallow (4') water.

Before fishing with kids, I went out a few times to get a feel for what baits were working. I tried wacky some senkos and found that it was very hard for me to see my line twitching, and I also figured that waiting for the weightless bait to fall would be too slow for these kids.

I snagged ned rigs almost every time on logs, and lost a few heads, I chose to use something more weedless..

The plastic worm turned out to be the ticket, the real winner was the zoom trickworm in pumpkin.

I fished this on a texas rig with a 1/8" lead bullet weight. We pulled in a bunch of rock bass and one small largemouth. I wil post pics later once they are resized.

My wife came to help out by holding a second rod, it had a weigfhtless Texas rigged trickworm and unfortunately she didnt notice any strike and when reeling the worm in , she had a gut hooked rock bass on it, I was able to remove the hook, but the fish died shortly after. I left it on the shore and it was gone the next morning (lots of racoons).

 

 

Anyways, my trip is over and the kids are happy which was the goal. The family who has the second cottage is staying there until october or november and their son was by far the most interested in fising. I think I am going to run a little virtual competition for the month of august where we total the number of fish length inches we catch, divide by the number of fish outings, multiply by a number that makes the kid the winner and awward him a prize :).... I'll figure that out

 

Anyways, just wanted to thank everyone for the advice, it worked out very well.