Newsletter - April 11, 2011

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I. Current fishing conditions. The moon is waxing and is 55% full. The Lake level is 1071.66. Water temperatures range from 62 to 70 degrees F. The five day forecast is reporting average temperatures. The water in much of the Lake is clear. Some water - Gainesville Creek, the River Channel, and Little River - is slightly stained.

II. Fishing Patterns. Presently, there is no defined pattern that you can consistently use to catch Stripers throughout the River/Creek system. In the past three days fish have been caught in 25 feet of water as well as 100 ft of water! Generally, you can find Stripers in a shallow pattern early in the morning. This pattern should form while bait fish start their spawning process this month (see below). By mid-morning, move your live-bait rigs to a depth range of 40 to 55 ft.

III. Fishing Methods: The preferred fishing methods include: In-Line Planer Boards, Flat Lines, and Down Lines. During the past five days, Stripers are beginning to show a preference toward large baits such as Gizzard Shad. Big Blueback Herring will continue to be a favorite.

III. Equipment Requirements. As stated above, you will need your Planer Boards and rods/reels that are rigged something like this: the line on your reel should be 20lbs; run a bead through your main line. Tie on a sturdy swivel. Tie on a six ft. fluorocarbon leader - 12 to 14lbs. A large Gizzard, a medium Trout, and a large Herring will require a number 7/0, 4/0, and 1/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook, respectively. Suggestion: If you decide to fish with big baits, upgrade your leaders to a minimum of 17 pounds. I would recommend using 20lb test for your leaders.

Take Don Brown's advice: don't go fishing without your Umbrella Rigs. Dan Duncan would remind you that the big fish bite is ON; so, retie those knots; replace scratched leaders, and quit using those old, rusty hooks from last year! No Excuses!

IV. Are you Ready for the Spawn? Blueback Herring spawn when the water temperatures reach 70 F. Guys, that's going to happen very soon. Listen up - a five year old female will deposit between 60,000 and 100,000 eggs on hard objects like gravel, riprap, rocks, wood, seawall, etc. As you might guess, a lot of sun on the rocks will not only warm the rock but also the surrounding water. I bet I know where you will be fishing in the next week or so. Gizzard Shad spawn in shallow water coves and backwaters along the shoreline and near the surface in water between one to three feet deep. (Another reason why you should pull your Planer Board through shallow water). Spawning peaks with water temperatures of 66 degrees F. to 70 degrees F. Younger females can produce 380,000 to 400,000 eggs; unfortunately, egg production of older females will drop to approximately 12,500. Females are more abundant than males because males experience a more extensive post-spawning mortality rate.

V. Why You Should Use a Float. A float or balloon serves several purposes. First, a float provides depth control of the bait. When using a float, the amount of line that you will release will depend on the depth of the water you are in and the depth of the fish you have targeted. Sometimes, such as late in the day, you may add some weight to your line prior to adding the Float. Also, a float may be fished well behind the boat should you believe the fish are boat shy. Example: you are using a large Trout on a float in water with a depth of 15 feet. If you release more than 15 feet, your Trout may find refuge on some form of underwater structure. Maybe 8 to 10 feet would work better. Accordingly, in this example, release 8 feet; attach the float; and then release as much line as you deem appropriate.

VI. Flat Lines - A Big Part of Your Fishing Strategy. Flat Lines are very effective and a must for a Lanier Striper fisherman. Most folks use two to four Flat Lines. Regardless of the number used, be sure to stagger the lines to avoid tangles. To avoid tangled lines, try adding a split shot to one or more lines. Also, in most cases, it is recommended that you use a swivel, bead, and leader. When rigged in this fashion, the rod/reel may be used as a Planer Board line. Flexibility - the name of the game. When your lines get tangled, try this method. Cut the hooks off the lines and you will find that, in most cases, you can unravel your lines much more quickly. Retie the hooks and BAM - you're back in the Game!