[JDH8504]

So, while I've been away from the board for awhile, I got a new vessel. 18ft Procraft Stalker glass bass boat w/a 150 Merc Black Max VR4. Side note: if anyone has any experience with this motor or similar (carbureted two-stroke) I would appreciate your input regarding maintenance and performance tips.

On to the subject...

I've made a handful of trips to Old Hickory Lake. This is my first experience with Old Hickory (or any "bigger" water for that matter) with the exception of one guided trip I took with Ian Huey (great guide, btw) last April. I have launched at the Cairo public access for the most part. One time I launched at Station Camp Creek. Navigating this body of water is a nightmare. Trolling around looking for bait has pit my boat against solid obstacles more times than one. Luckily, those have all happened at speeds sub-5mph. I refuse to get the boat on plane unless I'm in the main river channel.

I'm chasing Largemouth bass, but I'm open to trying anything (non-panfish) just to get the skunk off of me. Would anyone be willing to direct me toward a community hole or holes that may be more productive at this time of year? I've thrown basically my entire box what appears to be lifeless water. I'm losing confidence fast.

I have been doing a lot of studying about using my Lowrance HDS units but I'm not quite sure if what I'm doing is right. Basically trolling around and when I see a bait ball or two in the area, I start throwing lures at the visible targets. I'm not quite sure how to pinpoint a piece of underwater structure with my lure...tips on that would be appreciated. Or, if there is a resource y'all like for that kind of info please point me in that direction.