Gaston Advice

[brivabeach]

I am headed to Gaston this weekend (4/12/12-4/15/12) and taking the boat. I was looking to "just catch" some fish. I am looking for Bass, Crappie and Catfish. Any advice would be awesome as I would love to keep the catfish and crappie and have a fish fry one day. I haven't seen a lot of info on Gaston so figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. I am new to fishing for crappie, as some of you know, and taking my boat. I have never fished Gaston so anything will help. Also, for dock fishing ...any tips, pointers, and advice there would be great as well. I have most the basic equipment just headed to pick up some BGBS and maybe some other stuff before heading out. I appreciate all the help here and apologize I haven't posted lately, been traveling and not a lot of fishing going on. Promise to keep everyone updated on fishing trips as I have them though. If it helps, I will be staying on Pea Hill Creek (Lake Gaston Lodges).

Thanks in advance and tight lines all,
Brian

[brivabeach]

Man, I hope this isn't that bad a sign. I was afraid no one fishes Gaston because it isn't that good for crappie ...looking like that might be the case. Anyone? I am thinking it should be good to hit the docks with some jigs and shoot them up under there. I will definitely let everyone know how I do but I am looking just to fish Pea Hill Creek unless I get someone saying another spot on the lake is better.

[bc1448]

I know that people have posted about Gaston in the past... do a search and see what you come up with... Never been on the lake myself so I can't help you out...

Blake

[TapOut64]

I agree with Blake, use the search feature and you may find some old reports. Not many post about fishing that lake.

[Barnacle Bill]

I use to fish it a lot but never did very good in Pea Hill.

[crappiefarmer]

Have heard that crappie can be hard to find on Gaston. They are there. Dock shooting and longline trolling is what I have heard works best. One problem Gaston has is that it is right next to Kerr/Buggs Island lake which is a crappie power house. I think everyone considers Gaston an ugly step child when it comes to crappie but they can be had!CF

[brivabeach]

Thanks guys, I did do a search and saw a couple posts. I was afraid that it wouldn't be that good for crappie but already going so I have worked a game plan up. Heading that way tomorrow and will let everyone know how I do.

[genec]

fish pea hill the docks near Va boat landing,then go under bridge toward back and fish those docks,look for ones that sticking out farer or bigger and shoot in the darkest spot. Lizzard,stonehouse and creeks above eden ferry bridge are better than pea hill.Ride to back of creeks and do not stop until water dept gets 10 or less in middle,then look for shady dock nearest to deepest water there. If dock has a lot of shallow water in front,forget it,but the dock can be shallow and fish may only be 3 feet of water but 4 or 6 feet in front. do not spend much time on a dock but a few good shots at a dock,at this time of year a good shot will letyou know for he is defending his spot,so color or type is not very inportant but retrieve is.also be aware of a tap first ,he is running bait off ,and can be a big fish instead of a bream,shoot back and he will eat it by the second shot

[Barnacle Bill]

Gene, if you were at the eden ferry bridge and then went north there is a creek that goes off to the left. I can't remember the name of it but we caught some nice ones in there a long time ago.

[genec]

BB, the lake runs west to east,and so I am not sure which creek you mean but all 4 creeks there are good. At Eden Ferry bridge facing east on north is Lizzard and facing west is Songbird on north which is one of the best ,go under its bridge and it split 3 ways ,the one to left going in and the one straight are the best. now if at Eden Ferry bridge facing east and go south is Stonehouse which I mostly put in. In Little stonehouse I shot under one dock and caught a big fish 19 straight times before one did not hit,I was glad for I was alone and love to keep searching,don't like to fish in one spot to catch many fish,I know ,every one thinks I am crazy ,wife does, just that bass searching in me just won't leave,but I am changing a little,have to,because of her