Tonka this morning...

[cupper]

I thought that this morning on tonka would be a really good bite. Storms coming in tonight, clouds, a nice breeze, and only a few days after the full moon. Boy, was I wrong! I didn't move one single fish!!! I tried topwater, blades (fast, slow, shallow, deep), bulldawg, and a jig/plastic. I am at a loss. Anyone else have the same experience, or maybe different. I am in a slump for the ages right now. Hope other guys are having better success.

one foot off the ledge,

cupper

[JimBuck]

cupper, your not alone. In the last few weeks I've put in well over 30 hours and have seen 2 fish the entire time. Tonka always seems tough in July to me.

[Dylan33]

Same thing happened to us last Saturday on Tonka...you are not alone

[scsavre]

I was on a local lake and only saw a couple fish. I thought I would be pulling the net out at least once today. COuldnt figure it out. very warm water, maybe, too warm.

[muskieboy46]

Tonka has been really slow the last week or two. But other lakes are producing. My buddy texted me 5 times today while I was at work reporting fish he caught on a metro lake. 34,41,48,49.5,50. I almost just left work on the spot.

[kyleharty]

I thought that this morning on tonka would be a really good bite. Storms coming in tonight, clouds, a nice breeze, and only a few days after the full moon.

I was thinking the same thing about this evening, seems like a good convergence of factors (from my limited experience and knowledge) with all you listed and the moonrise about 9:20. I've gotta take my son to flag football and don't really have access to a boat at the moment so good luck to all those able to be out taking advantage!

[HooknHorns]

I fished it for 12 hrs straight Mon morning started at 430 am. It was my second time for this lake and had two small fish follow. Since I fish when I can, I dont feel bad when the fishing is slow. I dont know this lake very well and dont have very much confidence in deep fishing with bulldogs and such. So im glad to hear similar reports.

[cupper]

Thanks for talking me down fellas. I am sorry to hear that you've had similar experiences to mine as of late. I realize I am nowhere near an expert, but I've been fishing this lake long enough to feel confident on several spots especially when the conditions are pointing to a hot bite. Mornings like yesterday make you feel like a moron.

[muskieboy46]

Has anyone been out there to see if things are picking up?

[JRedig]

They never slowed down....

[muskieboy46]

What's the secret Jeff? Ok maybe not the secret... just some little hints?

[JRedig]

Everything cupper said will work. I'd focus more on timing than anything.

[Croix]

Yeah Jeff, please enlighten us on the magic that you seem to have going...

Though I Did manage to get a chunky 41 last week up shallow on a wind blown shoreline...

[brad coin]

whats the recent water temp

[Croix]

Was on a smaller metro lake on Monday and water temps were 82 and above. Took a swim and it didn't get any cooler down 10-15ft. Cooler nights over the next few days should help things out. I trailered the boat and left, too warm.

I would keep things very simple in your tactics and bait selections. Also, where, at this time of year is the most oxygen likely to be?

I have continued to check shallow, on the break and off the break as i go from spot to spot and is paying off...Hope this helps. I am only fishig mornings and evenings with the state of water temps, not worth risking the fishes health.

I would assume that Jeff is in agreement with me on this...?

[JRedig]

Don't know recent temps, haven't been out since last week. Croix has the right idea and the tip I gave above is important, IMO. The windows are short from what i've seen, when it's happening, it's hot and heavy. (2 fish in about 3 minutes after moving almost nothing, couple rips shortly after, then nothing like the previous 5 hours) Granted that was just one outing recently, other outings have had different results.