Finally got time to upload the pic of the fish Brian caught Sunday. They caught the 20 pound plus fish Sunday on 15# leader 50 feet down. Elke, 7 years old, caught it with the help of her father, Randy. Also Simon and Max caught several nice sized fish. The big one was released very quickly and they did not even take time to weight it. Brian has been on a roll all this week as well. Brian is very patient and keeps the boat dead still and I feel this has been very important. Downlines continue to be the best pattern for myself. I have caught them at thirty feet down and seventy feet down. Take your pick. I did catch two today dropping the bait and hooking them before I got it in the rod holder. Also the midday bite has been strong.

CAPT CLAY...AS A NEW STRIPER FISHERMAN I WAS WONDERING IF U WOULD GIVE ME A LITTLE ADVISE,,,I HAVE DOWNRIGGERS,,AM I BETTER OFF DRAGING U RIGS WITH DOWNRIGGERS 30 FT DEEP OR AM I BETTER OFF GOING WITH LEAD CORE AND SGL JIGS .IF THE ANSWER IS LEAD CORE WHAT ROD AND REEL AND WHAT LINE WEIGHT ECT ECT.I AM FAMILIAR WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH U RIGS AND AM USE TO SNAGS ETC...WHAT WILL PRODUCE MORE FISH

If you already have the downriggers, I would troll single bucktails (1 to 2oz) 50 to 100 ft back from the ball with the ball down 24 ft or so depending on the day. The urigs will work on the downrigger but I never do it. If you are by yourself don't be afraid to troll a Long-A or Cisco kid either. You may not catch as many but they will be good fish.

Clay and All,
i was thinking about taking my son for a night fishing trip tomorrow night-- I can't handle either the crowds or the heat, and i want to get him out one last time before school starts monday(!!!).

Any recommendations on where to start out and what tactics? I was thinking about putting in at the dam store and working the dam area and moving up to 6 mi. Is trolling any good at night?
My boat's not rigged well fro keeping BB;s happy in the heat, so I've was thinking about using big shiners, which are hardier.

Any advice would be appreciated; haven't been on the lake in several weeks so don't know what's been going on other then from I read on the posts.

Thanks!

That is a GREAT question Wormboy! I just now made the decision to knock on my neighbor’s door and take his 13 year old boy fishing this morning because this kid mowed my front lawn yesterday without being asked (he knows that we just had a baby boy 7 days ago and he also knows that my Mother In Law is downstairs where Hospice and I give her End Of Life Care. I certainly have a full plate!). Anyways, I haven’t been out for a long time either. While I think a good day of fishing is that nothing gets broke and nobody gets hurt, he might think it would be even more fun if we actually caught something!

I’ll keep my eyes on my computer in case anyone responds. For the record, my name is Greg Grossman and my cell phone number is 770-206-0451. If any of you come across any good information, please call me. I would be happy to return the favor if I have your number too.

One last thought, off topic please…now that my wife is home on Maternity Leave, I have to get back to work. She can take care of Mom now. I need a job! Please call me for more information.

God provides all that we need. May God bless all the fisherman on the lake today and keep everyone safe and may God be glorified in all that we do today.

Sincerely submitted,
Greger

I took a night trip last Sat. and did good fishing on mainlake humps. Most fish were caught on a 35-40ft bottom. Never have trolled at night. Don't see why shinners wouldn't work.