Fishing clear water and high preasured fish

[Granny]

oops, thats high "pressured" fish

I am going to be fishing a lake in Virginia in late July early August. The lake is pretty clear and gets hit pretty hard. The lake contains man made structure (tires and pine trees). Anyone have suggestions on how to fish a lake like this? The lake is only 100 acres but holds some big fish 11+ lbs.

Thanks in advance,

Granny

[This message has been edited by Granny (edited 06-08-2004).]

[SluggoMaster]

Having fished very similiar lakes in Arizona, I would highly suggest a drop-shot rig with a senko or split-tail worm. It is very cool to catch fish this way in deep structure. It is subtle and will get you a quick limit, as well as some bigger fish.

[Granny]

Thanks for the info.

I currently use 14lb mono. Do I need to go with a smaller size line for the clear water? Should I target the pine trees, the tires, or the flooded timber?

Granny

[delmuts]

granny; i would suggest all of the above as for where to try. the fish may be on one of those or none. try each one to find out. the dropshot would be a good rig. or maybe a 4" worm texas rigged. don't be afraid to try a large surface bait either. although i have never tried it, but have read a lot in BASS about the guys fishing large baits in clear pressured water for big bass. del

[Granny]

Yea, maybe all that info in BASS will finally be put to use. Most if it doesn't pertain to the Bass fishing I do up north here.
I plan on hitting all the "obvious" spots since it is such a small lake. This will be my first time fishing in a lake that is clear, deep, has man made structure, and holds 7+ lb fish. Should be an awesome time!

Granny

[SluggoMaster]

I would go down to 10 pound test, and loosen up that drag a bit. I also like to use spinning gear for drop shot rigs. If you can find trees/cover near a sharp drop you should be in business.

In Arizona, it was not uncommon to drag fish up from 50-70 feet of water. The fish finder will be very useful in locating fish on the drops/cover.

IF you can find some sparse emergent cover like shrubs or bushes or vegetation, do NOT hesistate to throw a weedless frog. They splash down quiet, and a bass just can't resist them.

Good luck!