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Finicky Fish? #11895433 10/23/16 04:14 PM
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big D Offline OP
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What methods do you use when spotting several whites, hybrid or striper, but they will not feed (post front fish)?

We found hybrid in several areas yesterday and would catch 1-2 fish out of the bunch with slabs or live bait. Then nothing... The fish were still there but would not bite. We'd move to another area and the same thing would happen. We finally found a technique that worked for these finicky fish and it was fish on!!!

These fish were located in 8-14 FOW on points and ends of humps. We dropped our live bait to the bottom and drug it on the bottom while drifting .3-.7 MPH. We used the trolling motor to drift back over them after passing. We lifted the rod tip up and down while passing over the school. The hybrid would peck at it like a catfish or suck it in and spit it out. It seemed as if they didn't want to eat but would play with the bait.

We caught several hybrid with this technique and the dropping water temp really has them peeling drag!

I shared one of my techniques. What are some others?


Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11895524 10/23/16 05:39 PM
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SteveStrasemeier Offline
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Troll (which I rarely do)or rip the slabs up, in other words use methods that trigger a reaction strike.
Another method that may work is Dennis Christians mepps technique (http://youtu.be/0aTnxKR9-u8 )

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11895612 10/23/16 06:27 PM
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SeaPro-Todd Offline
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Troll or small mepps are the only two I know working right now. The "pros" on twok been doing that. Funny I graphed several stacks of fish at 10 fow at a point Friday on twok and they won't bite either. Only got at hit on mepps #4, didn't have smaller #2 with me. Did'nt troll either but others did and caught a few good ones trolling hellpets. But first hour of daylight fish did striked our lures hard in the shallow.

Nice hibbie, bigD! Somerville?

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11895651 10/23/16 07:01 PM
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big D Offline OP
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I refuse to troll, but I may need to break out the Mepps! Thanks!

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: SeaPro-Todd] #11895717 10/23/16 08:11 PM
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big D Offline OP
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Yes it was Somerville.

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11895853 10/23/16 10:18 PM
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May have to try this...any certain weight you recommend?

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11896165 10/24/16 01:30 AM
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big D Offline OP
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Depends on the wind. It was less than 10 this weekend and I used 3/4-1oz weights. I maintained contact with the bottom with the weight using slight raises. I made a few drifts with suspended baits in rod holders like normal and no strikes. The baits had to drag bottom.

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11896845 10/24/16 03:30 PM
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Bowmansdad Offline
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If it works keep doing it! I'm betting the post front conditions and the transition to winter conditions has them off their feed.
As it cools down, the bite will return.

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11896965 10/24/16 04:41 PM
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I'll use soft plastic crappie jigs on 1/4 ounce heads with a #2 sickle hook. Once they try to suck it in, it's too late to spit it out because of the smaller size. This technique works great during the full moon phase as well, when the fish are feeding heavily at night and are not so hungry mid day.



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Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11897422 10/24/16 08:06 PM
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I have been able to get finicky fish to bite a slab and fluke combo by working it slow near the bottom on Belton. Almost like deadsticking. Some days that is the only thing they like.


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Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11897534 10/24/16 09:26 PM
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Chris Richardson Offline
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That bottom drag method works well in September and October Dustyn. The more line you let out the better. I usually do better keeping the boat off of finicky fish this time of year. I wont even motor over a structure that should be holding fish and then put the school at the end of my casting range using the burn and fall technique. Another trick I've noticed for this time of year is to not beat the fish up with repeated casts in the same spot. Fan cast around if for nothing more than wasting time between throws over the school of fish. For some reason unknown to me I catch more and larger fish that way this time of year. If everyone on the boat beats them up over and over you'll only get a few out of the school before they shut down or spook. Its weird and I only do it this time of year, but its more effective.

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11897748 10/25/16 12:16 AM
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Even using a #2 Mepps sometimes they won't take it unless you jerk start the retrieve. Leave a little slack in the line after it reaches bottom. Then jerk the Mepps sideways with your rod keeping your hand on the crank so you can keep the Mepps moving for 3 to 5 cranks. A few times it has only worked jerking it up with the rod instead of sideways.

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11897899 10/25/16 01:07 AM
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Thanks for the #2 tips, DC. You taught me everything i know about mepps but not everything you know bang laugh lizard hehehe

I have another theory. Finicky fish are glued to their TV's watching football! nannyboo

Re: Finicky Fish? [Re: big D] #11898439 10/25/16 12:26 PM
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big D Offline OP
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Great tips! Thanks guys!

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