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Hit Louie again yesterday. Returned to spot I caught them last time. Nada!!
Went for a boat ride with side imaging running looking for trees, logs, etc. First couple spots, no bites. Then found some tree tops in 10-12 fow and started catching a few. A few here, a few there. Spent a lot of time, but learned a lot of new places.
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You got some nice ones there, good trip.
Nice catch
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Man, can you get me some screen shots of what you look for with your side imaging? I have a mega SI but am still learning what to look for! That is some nice fish btw!
Thanks for sharing.
Sure! Just basic logs and fallen sunken trees. Mostly looking for structure that isn’t visible from the surface, that is at a depth that I think the fish like. Once I catch some I try to pay attention to how deep the bite was. Also, in the heat of summer, if I fished too deep, the shiners died quickly. Low oxygen below the thermocline. I had heard a report of a troller catching fish 5 feet deep over 20 feet of water, so it wasn’t an a original idea of mine, just putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
Lately, more like 6 feet deep in 11-12 fow. I can see fish on side imaging, but I am not confident that I know what kind they are. I had a helix 5 on my trolling motor but it died. I could see fish on it when I was catching crappie, and could position the boat over them. Now just Helix 9 SI on console that I can turn around so I can see it from the front. I have a remote control for it.
Screen shots to follow after next trip.
Very nice catch!!
I have fished Bayou Louie many times and was hardly ever disappointed.
So after many attempts, I got the picture to post.
Basically what I do is ride around the area I am scouting at 4-5 mph with the motor trimmed up so the left side is visible and not blocked by the motor. I look for banks with trees and then look for trees that aren’t visible on the surface. When I see a tree, I make a waypoint. I usually keep going and try to find 3 or 4 before I circle back and start fishing. Some places don’t have many trees so one might be enough. Some places have lots so other factors become important. Water depth is usually very important. The spring rain muddled the water and as it got hot, the oxygen got low down deep. Always something. Pay attention to the details. But remember the big picture.
I fish 4 poles with a drop shot rig and one #2 hook 1-2 feet above a 3/8-3/4 oz bank sinker.
If you use the 3/4 oz sinker it helps keep your line away from your trolling motor and prevents breaking your rod tip. Don’t ask me how I know.
I hope that helps.
Thanks! I like Larto a lot but it adds an hour and a half to my trip. I grew up in Alexandria, so I have history all over the area. I remember fishing with my dad and with my high school friend almost everywhere I go!
I also have a Helix 5 that I have had to send back to Humminbird twice to fix. Water gets in ALL Helix units that are under a 9! Below a 9, they do NOT have a moisture inhibitor! To beat this problem, I NEVER leave my unit on the boat once I pick the boat up. You can get the 5 fixed cheaper than buying a new unit, it was $79 when I did mine both times. Have not had another problem once I started removing the unit when not on the water. Had a buddy with a 7 had the same water problems.Quote:
Originally Posted by escout