I had the pleasure of fishing with Fernando for the first time today. We started off on the south side at about 7:30 trying the back of large coves. Couldn't find any bait and very few fish but did manage to boat this fatty on a flat lined herring. Water temp was 52-53 degrees.



Decided to move north to mid-lake creek. Lots of birds working and bait as thick as I've ever seen. Had a few blowups, but no hookups. Then Fernando had the planer board on his side scream off about 150' before slowing down. He started gaining ground on the fish, when a goose which was flying in for a landing hit the line and went tumbling to the water. The fish came off, what a shame as it must have been a good fish. We later saw the goose limping along the shoreline - serves him right!

A short time later, about 2:30 or so, the board on my side got nailed and I managed to get this 20+ in the boat. It came on a herring, water temp 61-62 degrees. Water was murky with about a 10-12 mph wind.





Had a great time on the water with Fernando, aka "Goose Slayer".

nice fish man we boated 2 this week that would go over 20 and several that would go in mid to high teens

nice ones, it looks like it's really turning on. Trolling motor is on it's way here and I'll be out first of the week if ups don't drop it and break it again on the way here to the house.

Well done Jim

The key to this fishing is the Boga grip. It looks like all the good fish have a grip in their mouth. I goota get one.

Nice couple of fatties you got there. Hope to get a few myself this evening.

How far back are you putting your herring on the planners?

25-30 ft. Got one on a freeline, one on a planer. Of the 6 or so hits we had, it was half & half. Most were in 25-45 ft of water.

That's wild about the goose. Maybe I need to try that next season?
Thanks for the great pics and report.
T B, I have been looking for a deal on a Boga myself? Dick's has a real cheap version, not good. I think I just want the grip, do they all have the scale built in? My PB is about 15 lbs. My hand or net does fine on those but, my question is, is the Boga the best tool for gettin a 20lb + in the boat, and where is the best buy on one.
Clay, which one do you suggest and are they on special at the Pharmacy?

As soon as I looked out I knew to stay in and it was a day for the ducks, in this case the goose. lol

Big Daddy, there is no other grip that will hold the fish without its jaws coming open as well, as no other that is closer on true weight. In my book you have two good choices, one you can get the 30 pound boga for almost half the cost, or get the 60 pound grip for 2+ bills. I can tell you for certain any other purchase is throwing away what you spent.

I am glad I got the 60 pound version because if you do catch a fish over 30 how will you know if you plan on releasing her. Just my .02

Nice fish Jim!

Have you guys tried a "prop wash" bait? Maybe 6 feet behind motor? Just curious?

Caught one on it today 10 seconds after I put it out.

I have been running one myself, but about 8' much farther back then you Bill...LOL

Prop wash bait?

Awesome job. Had some similar action. Its great to see the Lake picking up. Its been a long winter. We all deserve it.

It is all so called a transome bait, where you basically hang a very short leash bait, and it runs in the wash of your motor and the bait stays up high in the current. Fish are attracted to the wash of the boat, not only bait but big fish as well. They are curious and will come in too inspect and then lash out on the bait right at the boat.

You need to keep a fairly loose drag though because they hit hard and fast, and if not loose they will pop your line in a second.

Great job Jim & Fernando...err, make that Jim & Goose Slayer!

Sounds like you guys had a memorable day on the water.

Dan you are dead on...this is awesome to see. I used to use this tactic while king fishing. Seeing a 5 foot long king fish hit the bait and sky as high as the tee top is something to see. Last striper trip I did the prop was the thing...for what it's worth.

I'm going to have to try that, thx Bill. Thx to all for all the kind words.

So they arent always right on the bank in the spring? You can put your free-lines out and crusie the bays and mid to backs of creeks to catch these bad boys? I have been out once a week for the last 2 months and I still havnt been rewarded with a silver king.

You sound like you've been fishing in Fl. before. I was born there and still go back to fish about 5 times a year in the surrounding Tampa area but I've lived up in Ga. & N.C. for past 31 years. Well I did go down for a couple of years and opened another office in Tampa but it was just like fishing. If they're biting one is enough if they're not you don't even need one :-) Have a great coming week.

I've been doing this for about three years now and the one thing I do know is that you can't use the word "always" when talking about these fish. Especially in the past 18 months or so. It seems since the lake filled from the drought so quickly that there has not been a typical pattern yet. Particularly this winter, up until last LSC tx in March, I had not caught a fish since Thanksgiving.

These sights are great for improving your chances, but I think the best way to sharpen your skills Is to go out with one of the guides who is willing to provide instruction or to join one of the excellent striper clubs in the area. You can defer guide costs by going in with one or 2 other folks. This way it really isn't much more expensive than taking out your own boat.

You can join a local club for as little as $5.00 a month. You will meet some of the finest fishermen on the Lake and get an opportunity to learn from them at the meetings (once a month) or fish in the monthly tournaments. You will also make some great friends and then be able to pick up the phone and invite them to fish with you. After you get to know some of these folks you may even be able to call friends on the water while you're out on the water and find out what's happening.

Anyone who needs more information on the Lanier Striper Club in particular, send me a PM.

Yeah - as much as I have spent on bait and supplies I could have gotten a few trips in. I dont think I am really doing anything wrong, but just may not be in the right place at the right time. I had no problem hauling them in late last spring and all through the summer. Another remedy is simply time on the water. Thats what I am trying to do.

I was planning on joining a club, but with twins on the way I doubt I will have time. Thanks for all of the help. I am going to keep trying and the results will come I am sure.

I'm a firm believer in the transom\wake bait as well. My PB came on one with a 12" trout on it just after Thanksgiving last year.

I also second the motion on the boga. I opted for the 60# too Dan for exactly the reasons you mentioned. On a quest this year to break 30# and intend to be ready.

Troutman3000, you asked about running freelines with planers. Absolutely! Don't be afraid to throw out a downline as well along with pitchin' McStiks or Refins at the bank at the same time. Let the fish tell you want they prefer. Why limit yourself to one tactic?

Oh I dont limit myself to one tatic at all. Normally we have 5 baits in the water at different depths/presenations while we are dragging baits. Thats quite a task when fishing out of Super V 14' Tracker.

This wake/transom bait is just one you put about 15' behind the transom? I have had some spots knock the snot out my herrings while reeling them in once they get towards the boat so I guess it makes since.

I think its only a matter of time before I get all this spring time stuff figured out. The hardest part is knowing what presentation to use at what time and where to use it. Im getting there and plan on beating my pb of 23lbs within the next month.

Jim & and Fernando,

What a great day you guys had and I can't wait for you too teach me your tricks of the trade!!! Nice job guys you both deserve a great day on the water.

Thx Dan, we had agreat day even though we only boated 2 fish. I'll not forget the goose story any time soon.

Jim,

I forgot too mention that last year I was fishing in the back of Flat. I had a pair of geese fly right by the boat and ran into my planer board line, and ripped the release off the board. I couldn't believe how low they did there fly by (Negative Maverick the pattern is full)

Great report and great pics, Jim and Fernando! Congrat's!!