Experienced anglers, what would you do? **UPDATE**

[jb_adams]

UPDATE! ;D

I tried using a C-rig and within the second cast I felt a little bite.  The next cast, same thing and I must have missed the hookset.  The worm stayed rigged on the hook both times.  The third cast I landed a decent largemouth!!  Crystal clear water up to 8ft deep and a watermelon candy trick worm C-rigged landed a fish within 10 mins.  Thanks again to everyone who posted and for all the help.  I just wanted to pass along the news.

It felt great to actually catch a fish using the c-rig.  I know it's the most fundamental and basic presentation but it has never worked for me until now.  I have to say that all it took was one fish for me and now I want to try it all the time.  I downsized my sinker weight to a 3/8oz. swivel weight and that has helped me keep from snagging rocks and other things.  Like I said, I have lost more c-rigs than caught fish so I just gave up on them.  Too much not tying to just loose it within 5 casts.

On paddling:

I have tried sculling before but I gave up too quickly.  I'll give it a shot again sometime though.  I usually try to paddle very quietly anyway and become extra quiet with no splashes as I get close to the spot I'm headed to.  I like to coast in slowly.  I would bet my payload is too heavy too.  I tend to be over prepared because I hate doing anything and not having tools or supplies to work with when I need it.  Just a personal issue.

[kms399]

have you looked into trolling motors and depthfinders? they are getting cheaper. i would look into a 30# thrust endura motor by minnkota they sell for $109 and you can get a depth finder for pretty cheap as well. i use an eagle fishmark 320. 1500 watts of power 320 by 320 pixels. a d**n fine unit for $160. you can find them cheaper as well. if you give blood a few times you will be set up in no time ;D

[Yodie]

Something that might help learn depths and bottom contours along with the c-rig is to make a manual depth finder or sorts.

Use some old mono on its spool, or go to Wally World and buy one of the smallest size spools of line (100 yds i think) in 17 or 20 lb. and then find something to attach to the end of it that weighs several ounces, a pyramid weight works well, but that costs money. Then mark with a sharpie every five feet on the line with a spot of the sharpie and do it for however deep you think your deepest water may be...30ft...40ft...50ft whatever you think you may need, then once on the water you can let it out while going out from a bank to find the drops and ledges and humps and other random bottomw structure.

I was told about this from an old-timer on Kentucky Lake who has pictures of some of the biggest stringers ever caught off the lake. He never ahd any of the fancy stuff that we have available to us today.

[jb_adams]

have you looked into trolling motors and depthfinders? they are getting cheaper. i would look into a 30# thrust endura motor by minnkota they sell for $109 and you can get a depth finder for pretty cheap as well. i use an eagle fishmark 320. 1500 watts of power 320 by 320 pixels. a d**n fine unit for $160. you can find them cheaper as well. if you give blood a few times you will be set up in no time ;D

If it were my boat, I'd probably do it.  I don't see myself buying a small trolling motor right now for a boat that I am borrowing for the season.  I have been tempted believe me.

[jb_adams]

Something that might help learn depths and bottom contours along with the c-rig is to make a manual depth finder or sorts.

Use some old mono on its spool, or go to Wally World and buy one of the smallest size spools of line (100 yds i think) in 17 or 20 lb. and then find something to attach to the end of it that weighs several ounces, a pyramid weight works well, but that costs money. Then mark with a sharpie every five feet on the line with a spot of the sharpie and do it for however deep you think your deepest water may be...30ft...40ft...50ft whatever you think you may need, then once on the water you can let it out while going out from a bank to find the drops and ledges and humps and other random bottomw structure.

I was told about this from an old-timer on Kentucky Lake who has pictures of some of the biggest stringers ever caught off the lake. He never ahd any of the fancy stuff that we have available to us today.

Someone has already mentioned this in previous posts.  I'm still trying to locate a chart for the lake that gives topo information.  That's far easier and much less work.  Now I just need to find the map.  Someone said the local Wal-Mart might have them.

On a similar note, that of not having fancy equipment and boats:

I heard an old joke that is still a good one.  To keep it short, a big Bassmasters tournament came into town at the local lake.  Big names and sponsors were there with boats and rigs and all the works.  One ole redneck drove up in an old beat up late model 50's pickup and an old Jon boat with an old 5 horse Mercury drove up and wanted to enter the contest.  The judges searched the rulebook and couldn't find any exclusion so they let him enter.  At the end of day one, the ole' boy came back with a boatload of fish.  He got to pick out which ones he wanted to weigh.  Everybody was astonished.  The next day, he came back with another boatload and this time the judge wanted to know his secret and insisted on going out with him on the next time out.  So, the ole' boy showed up late again like everyday before that, got the judge and they headed out.  He pulled into a little quiet cove where no one was fishing and dropped the anchor.  He pulls out a small metal tackle box and pulls out a stick, lights the fuse and hands it to the judge.  The judge is now scared to death and screams, "This is dynamite!"  The old boy says, "yup, you gonna fish or we gonna have to swim back"!!

Sorry for being off topic.  It was too good to not pass along and it just fit right in!