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Has anyone stayed there recently? I read some reviews and it looks like its kind of gone down hill this past year. We normally come down every year at the end of march or first of april for a long weekend and fish JC but the last few years have been slow bites. Is it just us or is going on down to blood river a better option? (of course we have missed the spawn the last few years so that might have something to do wit our fishing woes.):banghead
Thanks!
We have stayed there for the past 2 years. Under new ownership now. We are going back the first week they are open.
Provide feedback after the stay....please
I will we didn't have any issues last year
The new owners have done some work around the grounds and frankly I think it looks better than it did. As far as the fishing is concerned: I fished Jonathan last spring and again in the fall before I came home for the winter and did fine. I'll be back down there in a few weeks, and I'll be fishing in Jonathan again. Maybe I'll see you there!:ThumbsUp
Thanks for the responses! Like i said these were reviews I read online. Somebody probably stayed there expecting a Marriott and when they didnt get it they posted a bad review. All i need is a place to sleep with a short walk to the boat. haha.
Im really hoping we have good timing with the spawn this year. I only get to KY lake once a year and it sucks when you strike out. I mostly bass fish at Barren so if the crappie arent in the shallows my buddy and i usually struggle trying to spider rig.
Ifeel your pain trying to book the right week. Its a crap shoot. I aint got it right yet. Good luck.
Sportsman's Marina is now owned by the same folks who own the campground and the motel / lodge. That is the way it was years ago. This sale occured this past summer. I do not believe it has went down hill. Let the new owners run it for the next season before you judge them. I think they will do fine. As for as crappie fishing remember that there is a lot of excellent fishing in the bays adjacent and across from Jonathan Creek. In fact you will probably find these other areas a little less populated than Jonathan Creek.
Unfortunately I have a Bass Tracker Pro 17. Its not very much fun to cross the main lake in a flat bottom boat. So we are usually confined to the creek.
I've not stayed there in about 4 yrs but it was a good place to stayed then. I noticed last year they have moved out all of those old single wide trailers and made hook ups for RV's. It looks much better with them gone. I wonder if Brenda is still managing it? She was a good manager and made you feel welcome.
I go on a crappie fishing trip every year and we are now on our 7th year. Up until last year we fished the Jonathan Creek area. Depending on the number of people in your group I would look at renting a house on the lake. There are several choices but here is our favorite. KyLakeLogHome - Home It is only $135 total per night from Nov through April 21st. If your splitting the cost it isn't much at all. It is well stocked and nicer than any hotel that you will stay at. It has a private dock depending on water level with plenty of room for parking your truck and trailer at the house. The marina is just a couple coves away. I don't know if they have any availability for the time your wanting to travel but it is definitely worth looking into. You won't be disappointed in the place. You'll never have to cross the main lake if you don't want to. I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!!! We are headed to Mississippi this year.
splblazer91 you have a PM
Brenda is still managing it.Quote:
Originally Posted by floatntiny
When spider rigging do you all use minnows or jigs? Ive always used live minnows so maybe thats my problem. I just ordered some Arkie Jigs so maybe i will try that instead this year instead of only casting the jigs.
Some use both at the same time ..... 1/2 to 3/4oz sinker with a jighead/plastic body on a leader, and the jig tipped with a minnow hooked from under the throat & out between the nostrils.Quote:
Originally Posted by splblazer91
I've even heard of some using that setup PLUS adding a Crappie Nibble on the end of the hook. And I'm sure there are even some that squirt some brand of scent on, as well. This site sells a disk shaped scent product called "Gewbers", that some are using with success, too.
... cp :kewl
When rigging do you use the rigs with double hooks that they sell in the bait shops there or just us a single line and vary the height of the jig?Quote:
Originally Posted by CrappiePappy
I've tried the commercially available two hook rigs, but mostly just got hung up quicker when using them :banghead :RoflQuote:
Originally Posted by splblazer91
I've only done a little bit of actual "spider rigging" ... and mostly with single hook/sinker rig, and a few times with a sinker/jig/minnow rig. Single hook/sinker rig, I'll usually put the hook no more than 8" below the sinker. Jig/sinker setup, I usually put the jig below the sinker no more than 12".
Longest rods I currently have are 10' ... and the heaviest sinker I've used spider rigging has been 1/2oz. That may change this year, as I may try a friends 14' rods ... and if I like using them, purchase some of my own.
For the most part, I'd rather cast jigs with one pole (and shoot docks when possible). But when that's not the best method at the time, place, or under the current conditions, then I'm not averse to whatever method makes a better presentation of my bait.
... cp :kewl
Were you able to make the trip from home or did you pack a lunch?Quote:
Originally Posted by buffalo13
Had to pack a lunch