Been lurking here for several years soaking in all the info offered up and have been wandering about this question.

Why is most of the reports still coming in with fish being caught at 30'-50' on the downline?

I have done some preliminary research on alot of the older Guide reports and this forum over the last few years and with water temps/time of year- most fish were coming on free lines, floats, U-rigs, or planer boards fished 30' and shallower. Just curious if anyone has thought this through far enough to have a reasonable explanation or analysis. THANKS

Mark- I wouldn't say most. I would "guess" 75/25 right now. Most of Clay's have though. You can catch fish with any of the methods you referenced above in the winter. Due to turnover, you can pick your favoite method and go for it.

I would rather pull bait than downline even if the downlines are producing better. I like seeing fish slam the bait. At the same time, I would love to be on Clay's boat right now.

B is right, did I just say that...lol in the last 4 weeks we have been able to catch big fish on the south side pulling baits.
Catching them with planer boards, flat lines as well as down lines.

Early in the morning is key to catching the big fish pulling, or late in the afternoon. When it gets on in the morning the down line has been working better. In the TX this Saturday morning all are fish were caught on down lines fishing deep over bait with large trout just as Clay has been telling us.

The big difference in this year over the past few years, is the water temps. This is key to follow rather then what month it is. Even though it is the first week of January, the water temps are not as low as they were early last December.

So when the water temps dip in the mid to lower 40's you can look for the big baits to be done and the tiny baits and U-rigs to rule the roost. Then when the temps of spring start heading back in the 50's this is when you will look for the big bait bite to take off once again.

is it possible that the water will never get that low this year? just curious.

Yes it is possible! I sure hope so put it that way. Fishing will be much better, if the water doesn't dip below 45. This will assure that we retain some of the larger blueback breeders and will make for a killer spring.