Sorry for not responding. Right now Buch is settling into the winter pattern. I've always stay on the South end of the lake 90% of the time. Reason being most folks think all the fish migrate up north. Thats just not true. The main lake will always hold plenty of fish and they usually don't get beat up on as much. As far as what to look for, I look for points, humps and ridges in 30-40 ft of water. I have waypoints that are specifically winter waypoints. For whatever reason they always produce consistently during the winter months. all seem to be 25-30ft . This time of year Thumping can be the difference between having an epic day and having a so so day. Get with Bobo. Reading your graph and the bottom is imperative. People are looking for stacks and yeah sometimes you will find them like that. But a lot of times they are lying right on the bottom. Look for a series lumps or saw blades. Anchor lock on them and start thumping. If they are fish your screen will blow up.

As for bait I catch mine the afternoon before when it is warmer. You can catch them early in that 20-30ft with lights but it gets cold this time of yr. And when I say early 3-4 in the morning.

Also early look for birds. They were so loud the other morning by the house it woke me and the dogs up. It looked like a snow storm going on while driving to the office

Thanks Brandon!

Thanks Brando!
I guess i just need to get out there more often.
I like using the Llano County Ramp but with the lake low it can be a chore by yourself.
If the dock would be lowered as needed then it wouldn't be a problem for me.
Thanks for the information.

email Lake Buchanan Conservation Corp and ask them to push the dock out. They raised the funds and donated the dock and maintain it.

lakebuchanancc@gmail.com

Anyone recommend a guide?

Jackie Headrick , Empty Pockets guide services

I have a standard thumper and in my aluminum boat it produces a very high sound. My buddy has a glass boat and it produces a deeper thud thump. Does that matter and should I switch my thumper to maybe a rubber mallet? Curious specifically about chasing whites in relation to this thread.

It’s the vibration vs the sound. Put a rubber mat under your thumper to soften the thump. It sounds like a gong in some boats and the mat will help!

Thank you, will do. Tim tells me my boat sounds like the Astros dugout when I turn it on. Haha

Ive never tried thumping in an Aluminium boat but I agree scuba a thick rubber mat would be needed

Rubber or carpet will work.

Just got back from Buchanan. Had Seth Hobbs of La Belle Guide Service come on my boat to help me dial in my electronics and show me the ropes on whites/hybrids/stripers. In 4.5 hours 3 of us had 125+ fish boated using MAL spinner. Great guy, great teacher. Highly recommend him to anyone serious about catching fish on Lake Buchanan.

What was the cost for that? I'd like to have some help with my electronics as well.

Seth charged $50/hour with a four hour minimum. I now feel more confident about my Lowrance (settings, adjustments, etc.) as well as finding and keeping fish in the area. He was straight up with "What do you want to gain from this experience" at the start of the trip. $$ well spent!