Thinking of Dale hollow
 

I am thinking of loading the boat up and going to Dale hollow tomorrow. Having never been there,
1. Can I use artificial bait or are Shiners a must?

Thanks all

Float'N Fly and pull some shiners.



Regards

I don't have gear for that just yet

Well you won't go wrong pulling shiners. It's a pretty good way to boat some Smallies.


Regards

Could you explain the pulling shiners? Like set up Etc..
Thank you

I like to use circle hooks.....hook the shiner through the nose....put on some size of split shot about 18 inches above shiner and troll. The speed and depth you will have to figure out. If you have sonar many times when you mark fish as you passover you will get a hit. No need to set the hook just sweep the rod up and the fight is on. It is a good way to catch Smallies up there in the winter. Maybe fishfindergeneral is reading and he can tell you more about it. It is a pretty simple way to fish.



Regards

Thank you

More than welcome. If you go let us know how you did.



Regards

We throw minnows on small hooks and about the smallest sinker you can find. Like alpha said hook, then sinker about 18" or so up. We fish bluffs. points and banks by throwing up shallow and letting the minnow swim/drift back to the boat. 4lb line and I wish I knew the size of the hooks and sinkers we use but I could not tell you at the moment. I fish down by the damn area.

a number four size hook with a number BB split shot or NO split shot. cast it toward a bluff wall and let the shiner swim. Never know what you'll catch.

Last year I caught a loon. It saw my shiner hit the water, dove down and hooked itself.

On the same trip, I had a toothy critter cut my line after the hookup. I felt a couple of good strong headshakes then slack line. Pulled in a nicely cut leader.

When I go, I am going to have one pole with shiners, one with a float n fly AND a trout magnet 18 inches up the line. Trying to improve the odds.

I would avoid the lower end for a few more days, it's still turning over down there. To be safe, above first island would be best.

Did you grill or bake the loon?

I'm still going to go. It looks like it will be closer to 10 before I get there. I was looking into putting in at the marina. I will be coming from Portland

[QUOTE=agelesssone;42457]

Last year I caught a loon. It saw my shiner hit the water, dove down and hooked itself.

QUOTE]


A loon or a cormorant?

Too bad if a loon; great bird.

If a cormorant . . . a shame if you couldn't confirm a kill and follow-up with some lead-filled encore treats for the brood.

I may go there this Thursday, I'd love a report and would gladly return the favor.


Chris Bryant