SPEEDBEAD

Thanks guys. Heading back out tonight to see what's up again.

If you've got that Deeper, I'd use it to locate them and gauge their location in the water column. Pick a bait you can effectively work at that depth. Really not many options without a boat and without them relating hard to something you can either see or know is there.

The dropping water could have made the fish pull back and suspend too. If there are shad there, good chance they are out over open water right now too with the fish located beneath them. Sounds tough. I'd find another lake just based on the shore access only IMO.

Wade hoggs for sure. That's a bad ass bait.

Stuck one right at 5 and a couple dinks. Saw some good ones though. Really loving those lakes up there, wish I had more time to explore it.

Confuscius say beard built, not bought. LOL

Been a while since I posted a pic here so why not.... Mattlures Hardgill 20 CXX LDC Production H Lexa w/ Hawgtech handle Beard

Never thrown the gill but I've thrown the LightReal and it's a cool bait. Nothing big on it so far but it's a cool little bait with a nice profile in the water. Wish I had more info for you.

If by having fun you mean FUBARing them, then yes, he's havin' a hoot of a time. LOL

Great choice, you'll be very pleased with the rod.

Post a pic

I just take a razor blade across the top of the hook, pull the end with pliers and it comes right off.

So what were you using to clean it?

If you sat there for an hour, repeatedly casting at essentially the same angle (from the cove), you may have educated them after the first cast or two. If they're not eating it on the first couple casts, leave them. You already did the hard part in locating them but there was something they just weren't digging with the bait/retrieve/angle. Next time, see if you can find something similar in another location and let that area rest. Come back in a bit, try a different angle/bait/initial retrieve and if they are still there, maybe they'll eat. Sometimes, there's just nothing you can do. That's swimbait fishing...

There is nothing foolproof when dealing with big toothy predators. Improper leader build, number of fish on a given leader, the "ish happens" factor....all will come to play. I'd personally rather deal with getting bit and then worry about getting the fish in than not getting bit at all. Personally, I think heavy fluoro gives that opportunity more than wire for me. Not saying it's for everyone, but it's worked well for me thus far.

I have a production XH and a Workshop XH and they will both throw the 250 just fine. While not ideal completely, I have thrown a Hinkle Trout on the Workshop with 80lb braid for muskies and the rod will handle it.

I'll also disagree on the need for wire. 100lb fluoro doesn't effect the action of the lure (as much) and stands up to teeth very well.

Still time to sign up

Not to hijack, but I have a code for 10% off Hawgtech if interested. Shoot me a message.

Never.

Well sumbitch, maybe the ol' beard knows a thing or two about something!

Hey, do what you want, I'm not fishing there and I hold no grudge against how anyone holds a fish they've caught. Just saying, muskies are different than the compact bodies of bass. As big as they are, they're a pretty delicate fish as far as handling goes. Horizontal holds on 'skis look better anyway.

I love that lake.