Not afraid to try new things

[Tim Moore]

Lake Winnipesaukee is typically known to be a lake trout and salmon lake. What many people don't know is that it has big crappie and bluegill. Last year the state record pumpkinseed was caught there. I have been catching crappie in the teens (13", 14", & 15") regularly.

I have been using 4.5 mm tungsten jigs tipped occasionally with spikes but usually tipped with Maki Plastics. Plastics are brand new for me this year and I have been having great success with them. I have been having the best success with the Jamei and a prototype that Scott Brauer have me in Vermont. My best colors seem to be pink and green. The most important thing I am finding is my cadence, it needs to be consistent. I will routinely have fish on my Vexilar that are coming in to bite. If I vary my cadence at all the fish almost always decline my presentation. I am finding this to be true on other lakes also, not just Winnipesaukee. I am also finding that subtle changes in the way I hook my bait sometimes make a huge difference.

[Tony Mariotti]

Awesome report! These are the things that anyone who starts to "play" with plastics has to learn and go through. I have played with the Maki plastics a lot this year, and I have had great success on some of the larger baits, in both pink and black. Thanks for sharing, plastics become addicting! :-)

[Kevan Paul]

Yes plastics are very addicting. The more you guys try them the less money you will spend on live bait. Thats a good thing!!!!