Hey Guys I trolled the north end of Sanford lake the other day and the conditions are pretty tough I think. Water temps are 52-54 degrees, water clarity is about 1 foot and weeds can be found in 5-7ft of water. I didn't mark any locations the had the warmest water, weeds and bait fish. I did locate scattered bait fish in the weeds and some larger fish. Next time out I think I'll try a jerk bait with a rattle for a slower presentation and added sound what do you guys think? Also any thoughts on top water baits this time of year?
Thanks
Topwater can work this time of year, might not usually be the first bait of choice but if the fish are shallow so that it will be running within close distance, they will smack it. There are no rules when it comes to muskies, but I would probably choose a walk-the-dog topwater over any other kind in the cold water. With the dirty water I might recommend a bait with more vibration (think resistance when reeling) vs. a jerkbait (no resistance) that has rattles. That'll up your odds a bit. Shallow lipped minnow baits, spinnerbaits, might be best bets.
Joel – When I think spring spinnerbait I think of a safety pin style with a big (not huge) colorado blade. You can fish this relatively slow yet still fish it shallow through new weed growth and over shallow sand areas.
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Minnowbaits like the 8" Jake, Big Game or Straight Believer, that work through weeds well, are really good in spring.
When not over or in weeds I prefer a bait that suspends instead of the buoyant baits mentioned above.
"Scrappy" said:
Joel: What kind of rig do you run? A buddy of mine who lives by the Condos on coaches Cove thought he saw me out fishing in my Ranger on Monday but I was at work. I'm betting it was you. When I e-mailed that it wasn;t me my buddy told me to make sure nobody stole mine off my lift. 😯
Oh yea, I forgot to leave a note to thank you for the use of your boat, that thing is sweet! [smilie=2thumbsup.gif]
Went out today for about 1.5 hours, water temps were 56-57 and visability was still about 1 ft. Weather man said cloudy and I got caught in a thunderstorm with hail and 40mph winds. 👿. But with no boat control and crap weather I did get a strike (probably a pike) but still at my stage it's a good day if I get any type of action. Once the water reachs 60 degrees I think it opens more options doesn't it?
Another day out on Sanford. Water temps were up 60-64 degrees. Water still really stained. We had storms coming in the next day so I was hoping the fish would be active but didn't have any action. Saw some people trolling so I tried at 3mph and 1.5mph. Also casted slop master and torpedo. Not sure but seems like this stained water is really affecting the fish since there not use to it like the fish are in Hudson. What do you think.
Joel: Sanford is about the dirtiest in the 9 years I've lived on it. Having said that, Sanford is always pretty dirty especially on the weekends whenthe clay banks get all churned up. The fish in Sanford are used to dirty water. Fish baits that give off good vibration or go to a nice lowly worked top water over the skinny stuff.
Thanks guys I know the fish are there I've seen them before just trying to learn how to go after them so I can hopefully be more productive when I'm out. I have no idea what I should expect on this lake or any other lake for that matter. The water temps are cooler than I've fished in the past so I can't even look and my notes from previse years. The only thing I've been told is If I catch 1 fish a year on Sanford I'm doing good.
Had a couple of nice days so theres been alot more boats out and alot more floating debris. Water temps are warming up 68-70. I got to try and get out in the morning or evening, not getting anything not even a pike in the afternoon. The good news is I'm getting alot of practice with different types of lures and my figure 8. Hopefully that will help when I do find the fish. Should I put this in the fishing reports section? I'm just trying to use you guys as my eyes and ears in a sense. Thanks
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