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Too much water!
I havn't been posting much lately...been out fishing :). As many of you
know, I am a transplanted Californian, now living in Kentucky. I live a few miles from Kentucky and Barkley Lakes...big lakes! I can catch bass consistently, but that is when I am fishing the spots I know that they are there...boat docks, and inhabited areas of the lakes. But I love to fish in the more natural settings...just me and the wilderness so to speak. But theses lakes are really big.....just too much water, can't seem to find "that" spot" on them. In California, the lakes were "ponds" compared to this, and I could always pin point the "spots" pretty quick out there. I have all the maps, talk to all the local "in the know" people...but I still see too much water out there, and move around way too much I fear. "The water's greener on the other side of the hill thing". I keep seeing what I thnk are better areas :). Anyone else have this problem.....yea, I know, what a great problem to have, hu? grin JK |
Too much water!
Welcome to "real" bass fishing John! What exactly is it that you're looking
for in "that" spot? Warren -- http://www.warrenwolk.com/ http://www.tri-statebassmasters.com 2004 NJ B.A.S.S. Federation State Champions "John Kerr" wrote in message ... I havn't been posting much lately...been out fishing :). As many of you know, I am a transplanted Californian, now living in Kentucky. I live a few miles from Kentucky and Barkley Lakes...big lakes! I can catch bass consistently, but that is when I am fishing the spots I know that they are there...boat docks, and inhabited areas of the lakes. But I love to fish in the more natural settings...just me and the wilderness so to speak. But theses lakes are really big.....just too much water, can't seem to find "that" spot" on them. In California, the lakes were "ponds" compared to this, and I could always pin point the "spots" pretty quick out there. I have all the maps, talk to all the local "in the know" people...but I still see too much water out there, and move around way too much I fear. "The water's greener on the other side of the hill thing". I keep seeing what I thnk are better areas :). Anyone else have this problem.....yea, I know, what a great problem to have, hu? grin JK |
Too much water!
John,
I fish the Winnebago system (which includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan, Lake butte des morts, Lake Winneconne, the Fox River, and the Wolf River) as well as various creeks that come off of each body of water. This system is HUGE. Bottom line is, and this may be an over simplification, knowing the habits of the fish is the only way I find fish. We have mid lake humps (rock), points, slop, flats, bridges, (not much wood), and tons of Rip Rap. One thing I did once I finally got a decent boat was take my topo, highlight areas where I felt fish would be, or near and spent a day or 2 discovering those areas, using my electronics. The beauty of it is 90% of the spots have held fish consistently, granted the quality is not always there, but the areas do sustain life. One problem I have is that I am always in tournament mode, and not in recreational mode, so maybe catching 20 smallies in an outting would be a good time in recreational mode, but if they are all 12", it is worthless to me, except for the fact that there is life in that area. I know I don't have to tell you to trust your instincts, but I break this system (and every lake I fish) into parts, almost segment it out, and concentrate on that area. To me viewing a lake as a whole it to intimidating, you need to find areas that you feel will hold fish by asking yourself all the standard questions.. spawning access, cover, food, deep water escape. The nice thing about living on this system is that I get used to big water, I have a plan for every wind that blows , and every significant weather shift. When my dad views this lake he rolls into the fetal position in a dark corner somewhere and cries for hours. That is not how I wanted to be :-). Something I read in a computer programming book sometime ago told me to break things down further and further until I could easily understand it all, that is how I approach things now. I don't want to come across like I am so pro, and have it all figured out, but this is just how I disected the Winnebago system, and have had a lot of success catching the fish I target. Chris Rennert http://www.chrisrennert.com "John Kerr" wrote in message ... I havn't been posting much lately...been out fishing :). As many of you know, I am a transplanted Californian, now living in Kentucky. I live a few miles from Kentucky and Barkley Lakes...big lakes! I can catch bass consistently, but that is when I am fishing the spots I know that they are there...boat docks, and inhabited areas of the lakes. But I love to fish in the more natural settings...just me and the wilderness so to speak. But theses lakes are really big.....just too much water, can't seem to find "that" spot" on them. In California, the lakes were "ponds" compared to this, and I could always pin point the "spots" pretty quick out there. I have all the maps, talk to all the local "in the know" people...but I still see too much water out there, and move around way too much I fear. "The water's greener on the other side of the hill thing". I keep seeing what I thnk are better areas :). Anyone else have this problem.....yea, I know, what a great problem to have, hu? grin JK |
Too much water!
John,
I fish the Winnebago system (which includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan, Lake butte des morts, Lake Winneconne, the Fox River, and the Wolf River) as well as various creeks that come off of each body of water. This system is HUGE. Bottom line is, and this may be an over simplification, knowing the habits of the fish is the only way I find fish. We have mid lake humps (rock), points, slop, flats, bridges, (not much wood), and tons of Rip Rap. One thing I did once I finally got a decent boat was take my topo, highlight areas where I felt fish would be, or near and spent a day or 2 discovering those areas, using my electronics. The beauty of it is 90% of the spots have held fish consistently, granted the quality is not always there, but the areas do sustain life. One problem I have is that I am always in tournament mode, and not in recreational mode, so maybe catching 20 smallies in an outting would be a good time in recreational mode, but if they are all 12", it is worthless to me, except for the fact that there is life in that area. I know I don't have to tell you to trust your instincts, but I break this system (and every lake I fish) into parts, almost segment it out, and concentrate on that area. To me viewing a lake as a whole it to intimidating, you need to find areas that you feel will hold fish by asking yourself all the standard questions.. spawning access, cover, food, deep water escape. The nice thing about living on this system is that I get used to big water, I have a plan for every wind that blows , and every significant weather shift. When my dad views this lake he rolls into the fetal position in a dark corner somewhere and cries for hours. That is not how I wanted to be :-). Something I read in a computer programming book sometime ago told me to break things down further and further until I could easily understand it all, that is how I approach things now. I don't want to come across like I am so pro, and have it all figured out, but this is just how I disected the Winnebago system, and have had a lot of success catching the fish I target. Chris Rennert http://www.chrisrennert.com "John Kerr" wrote in message ... I havn't been posting much lately...been out fishing :). As many of you know, I am a transplanted Californian, now living in Kentucky. I live a few miles from Kentucky and Barkley Lakes...big lakes! I can catch bass consistently, but that is when I am fishing the spots I know that they are there...boat docks, and inhabited areas of the lakes. But I love to fish in the more natural settings...just me and the wilderness so to speak. But theses lakes are really big.....just too much water, can't seem to find "that" spot" on them. In California, the lakes were "ponds" compared to this, and I could always pin point the "spots" pretty quick out there. I have all the maps, talk to all the local "in the know" people...but I still see too much water out there, and move around way too much I fear. "The water's greener on the other side of the hill thing". I keep seeing what I thnk are better areas :). Anyone else have this problem.....yea, I know, what a great problem to have, hu? grin JK |
Too much water!
I usually just fish where I think they will be....then check where I think
they won't be.. sometimes I'm wrong on both counts.. :-) "Chris Rennert" wrote in message ... John, I fish the Winnebago system (which includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan, Lake butte des morts, Lake Winneconne, the Fox River, and the Wolf River) as well as various creeks that come off of each body of water. This system is HUGE. Bottom line is, and this may be an over simplification, knowing the habits of the fish is the only way I find fish. We have mid lake humps (rock), points, slop, flats, bridges, (not much wood), and tons of Rip Rap. One thing I did once I finally got a decent boat was take my topo, highlight areas where I felt fish would be, or near and spent a day or 2 discovering those areas, using my electronics. The beauty of it is 90% of the spots have held fish consistently, granted the quality is not always there, but the areas do sustain life. One problem I have is that I am always in tournament mode, and not in recreational mode, so maybe catching 20 smallies in an outting would be a good time in recreational mode, but if they are all 12", it is worthless to me, except for the fact that there is life in that area. I know I don't have to tell you to trust your instincts, but I break this system (and every lake I fish) into parts, almost segment it out, and concentrate on that area. To me viewing a lake as a whole it to intimidating, you need to find areas that you feel will hold fish by asking yourself all the standard questions.. spawning access, cover, food, deep water escape. The nice thing about living on this system is that I get used to big water, I have a plan for every wind that blows , and every significant weather shift. When my dad views this lake he rolls into the fetal position in a dark corner somewhere and cries for hours. That is not how I wanted to be :-). Something I read in a computer programming book sometime ago told me to break things down further and further until I could easily understand it all, that is how I approach things now. I don't want to come across like I am so pro, and have it all figured out, but this is just how I disected the Winnebago system, and have had a lot of success catching the fish I target. Chris Rennert http://www.chrisrennert.com "John Kerr" wrote in message ... I havn't been posting much lately...been out fishing :). As many of you know, I am a transplanted Californian, now living in Kentucky. I live a few miles from Kentucky and Barkley Lakes...big lakes! I can catch bass consistently, but that is when I am fishing the spots I know that they are there...boat docks, and inhabited areas of the lakes. But I love to fish in the more natural settings...just me and the wilderness so to speak. But theses lakes are really big.....just too much water, can't seem to find "that" spot" on them. In California, the lakes were "ponds" compared to this, and I could always pin point the "spots" pretty quick out there. I have all the maps, talk to all the local "in the know" people...but I still see too much water out there, and move around way too much I fear. "The water's greener on the other side of the hill thing". I keep seeing what I thnk are better areas :). Anyone else have this problem.....yea, I know, what a great problem to have, hu? grin JK |
Too much water!
Excellent advice Chris!
John, the old addage "90% of the fish are in 10% of the water" holds true bigtime on lakes like Kentucky/Barkley. Another advantage you have over those CA ponds is that pattern fishing comes into its own on huge systems. Get real familiar with seasonal patterns, pay special attention to water temps & get out there & use your electronics to uncover secrets. And like Chris said, don't try to take on the whole lake, justa small portion & learn it intimately. Pick a section that offers the most "options" & put in your time. You'll have amazing days out there, as I hear your lakes are once again in their "prime"... Warren http://www.warrenwolk.com http://www.tri-statebassmasters.com "Chris Rennert" wrote in message ... John, I fish the Winnebago system (which includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan, Lake butte des morts, Lake Winneconne, the Fox River, and the Wolf River) as well as various creeks that come off of each body of water. This system is HUGE. Bottom line is, and this may be an over simplification, knowing the habits of the fish is the only way I find fish. We have mid lake humps (rock), points, slop, flats, bridges, (not much wood), and tons of Rip Rap. One thing I did once I finally got a decent boat was take my topo, highlight areas where I felt fish would be, or near and spent a day or 2 discovering those areas, using my electronics. The beauty of it is 90% of the spots have held fish consistently, granted the quality is not always there, but the areas do sustain life. One problem I have is that I am always in tournament mode, and not in recreational mode, so maybe catching 20 smallies in an outting would be a good time in recreational mode, but if they are all 12", it is worthless to me, except for the fact that there is life in that area. I know I don't have to tell you to trust your instincts, but I break this system (and every lake I fish) into parts, almost segment it out, and concentrate on that area. To me viewing a lake as a whole it to intimidating, you need to find areas that you feel will hold fish by asking yourself all the standard questions.. spawning access, cover, food, deep water escape. The nice thing about living on this system is that I get used to big water, I have a plan for every wind that blows , and every significant weather shift. When my dad views this lake he rolls into the fetal position in a dark corner somewhere and cries for hours. That is not how I wanted to be :-). Something I read in a computer programming book sometime ago told me to break things down further and further until I could easily understand it all, that is how I approach things now. I don't want to come across like I am so pro, and have it all figured out, but this is just how I disected the Winnebago system, and have had a lot of success catching the fish I target. Chris Rennert http://www.chrisrennert.com "John Kerr" wrote in message ... I havn't been posting much lately...been out fishing :). As many of you know, I am a transplanted Californian, now living in Kentucky. I live a few miles from Kentucky and Barkley Lakes...big lakes! I can catch bass consistently, but that is when I am fishing the spots I know that they are there...boat docks, and inhabited areas of the lakes. But I love to fish in the more natural settings...just me and the wilderness so to speak. But theses lakes are really big.....just too much water, can't seem to find "that" spot" on them. In California, the lakes were "ponds" compared to this, and I could always pin point the "spots" pretty quick out there. I have all the maps, talk to all the local "in the know" people...but I still see too much water out there, and move around way too much I fear. "The water's greener on the other side of the hill thing". I keep seeing what I thnk are better areas :). Anyone else have this problem.....yea, I know, what a great problem to have, hu? grin JK |
Too much water!
Too much water! Group: rec.outdoors.fishing.bass Date: Wed, Sep 29, 2004, 3:07am (CDT+5) From: (Chris=A0Rennert) John, I fish the Winnebago system (which includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan, Lake butte des morts, Lake Winneconne, the Fox River, and the Wolf River) as well as various creeks that come off of each body of water. This system is HUGE. Bottom line is, and this may be an over simplification, knowing the habits of the fish is the only way I find fish. We have mid lake humps (rock), points, slop, flats, bridges, (not much wood), and tons of Rip Rap. One thing I did once I finally got a decent boat was take my topo, highlight areas where I felt fish would be, or near and spent a day or 2 discovering those areas, using my electronics. The beauty of it is 90% of the spots have held fish consistently, granted the quality is not always there, but the areas do sustain life. One problem I have is that I am always in tournament mode, and not in recreational mode, so maybe catching 20 smallies in an outting would be a good time in recreational mode, but if they are all 12", it is worthless to me, except for the fact that there is life in that area. I know I don't have to tell you to trust your instincts, but I break this system (and every lake I fish) into parts, almost segment it out, and concentrate on that area. To me viewing a lake as a whole it to intimidating, you need to find areas that you feel will hold fish by asking yourself all the standard questions.. spawning access, cover, food, deep water escape. The nice thing about living on this system is that I get used to big water, I have a plan for every wind that blows , and every significant weather shift. When my dad views this lake he rolls into the fetal position in a dark corner somewhere and cries for hours. That is not how I wanted to be :-). Something I read in a computer programming book sometime ago told me to break things down further and further until I could easily understand it all, that is how I approach things now. I don't want to come across like I am so pro, and have it all figured out, but this is just how I disected the Winnebago system, and have had a lot of success catching the fish I target. Chris Rennert http://www.chrisrennert.com "=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Chris, thanks for the input....good advice! Guess I am too impatient...want instant gratification :). Think I should just start enjoying the "hunt" more, and not worry about having a bass on the line all the time. JK |
Too much water!
Too much water! Group: rec.outdoors.fishing.bass Date: Wed, Sep 29, 2004, 10:26am (CDT+1) From: (go-bassn) Excellent advice chris! John, the old addage "90% of the fish are in 10% of the water" holds true bigtime on lakes like Kentucky/Barkley. Another advantage you have over those CA ponds is that pattern fishing comes into its own on huge systems. Get real familiar with seasonal patterns, pay special attention to water temps & get out there & use your electronics to uncover secrets. And like Chris said, don't try to take on the whole lake, justa small portion & learn it intimately. Pick a section that offers the most "options" & put in your time. You'll have amazing days out there, as I hear your lakes are once again in their "prime"... Warren http://www.warrenwolk.com http://www.tri-statebassmasters.com ======= Warren, You are absolutely right, I need to totally rethink my approach to bass fishing back here! Thanks, JK |
Too much water!
John,
I share your problem. Not just too much water, but almost all of it has features that should hold fish. I'm going back to fishing the stuff that produced for me last year instead of trying to find newer and better spots. When I have exhausted my ability to milk a better fish or two out of those waters then I'll start exploring again. I have a few backwaters I know fairly well, and a few banks in the channel I have flipped good fish off of. Thats all I am going to fish the rest of the year unless my back boater just wants to go for a ride. Bob "John Kerr" wrote in message ... I havn't been posting much lately...been out fishing :). As many of you know, I am a transplanted Californian, now living in Kentucky. I live a few miles from Kentucky and Barkley Lakes...big lakes! I can catch bass consistently, but that is when I am fishing the spots I know that they are there...boat docks, and inhabited areas of the lakes. But I love to fish in the more natural settings...just me and the wilderness so to speak. But theses lakes are really big.....just too much water, can't seem to find "that" spot" on them. In California, the lakes were "ponds" compared to this, and I could always pin point the "spots" pretty quick out there. I have all the maps, talk to all the local "in the know" people...but I still see too much water out there, and move around way too much I fear. "The water's greener on the other side of the hill thing". I keep seeing what I thnk are better areas :). Anyone else have this problem.....yea, I know, what a great problem to have, hu? grin JK |
Too much water! ~John~
JMO. I would buy a good topo map and talk to the locals.
|
Too much water! ~John~
I have looked at detailed topos http://tinyurl.com/6wsag and aerial photos
http://tinyurl.com/3ruyv of my area, and I am one of the locals. LOL. If Topozone and TerraServer got paid for every hour I spent pouring over their resources I'ld be very poor. You would have to see this region to really grasp how much great fishing area there is. I can't speak for the area John is fishing. I don't think there is anywhere I have fished on the river here that I haven't caught some fish at one time or another. Every bank is lined with overhanging brush. There are hundreds of undercuts and points. There are hundreds of back waters and channels. There are lake size backwaters and pond size backwaters. The only thing there isn't is a lot of deep water. Its pretty incredible. -- ** FREE Fishing Lures ** Weekly drawing ** Public Fishing and Boating Forums ** www.YumaBassMan.com "William Barger" wrote in message ... JMO. I would buy a good topo map and talk to the locals. |
Too much water!
It's not so bad John, and you'll have a great sense of achievement when
things start happening too. This is REAL bass fishing. Warren "John Kerr" wrote in message ... Too much water! Group: rec.outdoors.fishing.bass Date: Wed, Sep 29, 2004, 3:07am (CDT+5) From: (Chris Rennert) John, I fish the Winnebago system (which includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan, Lake butte des morts, Lake Winneconne, the Fox River, and the Wolf River) as well as various creeks that come off of each body of water. This system is HUGE. Bottom line is, and this may be an over simplification, knowing the habits of the fish is the only way I find fish. We have mid lake humps (rock), points, slop, flats, bridges, (not much wood), and tons of Rip Rap. One thing I did once I finally got a decent boat was take my topo, highlight areas where I felt fish would be, or near and spent a day or 2 discovering those areas, using my electronics. The beauty of it is 90% of the spots have held fish consistently, granted the quality is not always there, but the areas do sustain life. One problem I have is that I am always in tournament mode, and not in recreational mode, so maybe catching 20 smallies in an outting would be a good time in recreational mode, but if they are all 12", it is worthless to me, except for the fact that there is life in that area. I know I don't have to tell you to trust your instincts, but I break this system (and every lake I fish) into parts, almost segment it out, and concentrate on that area. To me viewing a lake as a whole it to intimidating, you need to find areas that you feel will hold fish by asking yourself all the standard questions.. spawning access, cover, food, deep water escape. The nice thing about living on this system is that I get used to big water, I have a plan for every wind that blows , and every significant weather shift. When my dad views this lake he rolls into the fetal position in a dark corner somewhere and cries for hours. That is not how I wanted to be :-). Something I read in a computer programming book sometime ago told me to break things down further and further until I could easily understand it all, that is how I approach things now. I don't want to come across like I am so pro, and have it all figured out, but this is just how I disected the Winnebago system, and have had a lot of success catching the fish I target. Chris Rennert http://www.chrisrennert.com "======= Chris, thanks for the input....good advice! Guess I am too impatient...want instant gratification :). Think I should just start enjoying the "hunt" more, and not worry about having a bass on the line all the time. JK |
Too much water!
It's not so bad John, and you'll have a great sense of achievement when
things start happening too. This is REAL bass fishing. Warren "John Kerr" wrote in message ... Too much water! Group: rec.outdoors.fishing.bass Date: Wed, Sep 29, 2004, 3:07am (CDT+5) From: (Chris Rennert) John, I fish the Winnebago system (which includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan, Lake butte des morts, Lake Winneconne, the Fox River, and the Wolf River) as well as various creeks that come off of each body of water. This system is HUGE. Bottom line is, and this may be an over simplification, knowing the habits of the fish is the only way I find fish. We have mid lake humps (rock), points, slop, flats, bridges, (not much wood), and tons of Rip Rap. One thing I did once I finally got a decent boat was take my topo, highlight areas where I felt fish would be, or near and spent a day or 2 discovering those areas, using my electronics. The beauty of it is 90% of the spots have held fish consistently, granted the quality is not always there, but the areas do sustain life. One problem I have is that I am always in tournament mode, and not in recreational mode, so maybe catching 20 smallies in an outting would be a good time in recreational mode, but if they are all 12", it is worthless to me, except for the fact that there is life in that area. I know I don't have to tell you to trust your instincts, but I break this system (and every lake I fish) into parts, almost segment it out, and concentrate on that area. To me viewing a lake as a whole it to intimidating, you need to find areas that you feel will hold fish by asking yourself all the standard questions.. spawning access, cover, food, deep water escape. The nice thing about living on this system is that I get used to big water, I have a plan for every wind that blows , and every significant weather shift. When my dad views this lake he rolls into the fetal position in a dark corner somewhere and cries for hours. That is not how I wanted to be :-). Something I read in a computer programming book sometime ago told me to break things down further and further until I could easily understand it all, that is how I approach things now. I don't want to come across like I am so pro, and have it all figured out, but this is just how I disected the Winnebago system, and have had a lot of success catching the fish I target. Chris Rennert http://www.chrisrennert.com "======= Chris, thanks for the input....good advice! Guess I am too impatient...want instant gratification :). Think I should just start enjoying the "hunt" more, and not worry about having a bass on the line all the time. JK |
Too much water! ~John~
Bob, deep water is defined by where you find it. Look at the deepest water
in any system as "the deep water". I know you have big bass in your system; No system can grow big bass without "deep" water, defined here as water deep enough to offer them security & refuge from the extreme natural conditions they face there. Warren "Bob La Londe" wrote in message ... I have looked at detailed topos http://tinyurl.com/6wsag and aerial photos http://tinyurl.com/3ruyv of my area, and I am one of the locals. LOL. If Topozone and TerraServer got paid for every hour I spent pouring over their resources I'ld be very poor. You would have to see this region to really grasp how much great fishing area there is. I can't speak for the area John is fishing. I don't think there is anywhere I have fished on the river here that I haven't caught some fish at one time or another. Every bank is lined with overhanging brush. There are hundreds of undercuts and points. There are hundreds of back waters and channels. There are lake size backwaters and pond size backwaters. The only thing there isn't is a lot of deep water. Its pretty incredible. -- ** FREE Fishing Lures ** Weekly drawing ** Public Fishing and Boating Forums ** www.YumaBassMan.com "William Barger" wrote in message ... JMO. I would buy a good topo map and talk to the locals. |
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