So I have allways wanted to fish the Rattle trap Tournaments etc, Not sure how to run the lake, any info running the lake would be appreciated. Also looking to do some smaller tournaments with my son, so any info on smaller tour trails would be appreciated. Id really like to have some fun so any current patterns and areas where the fishing is best would help.

Get a Boat Lanes chip for the lake and run carefully, since the lake is on the low side. In addition, for more general information, there is a series of Videos from a few years ago about navigating the lake:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLzhji805wVzXe4QBLzgAnfy8_o2nZwSC

Search YouTube for Ken Smith Fishing. He has years of videos on everything you need to know about Rayburn.

What I'm doing on lakes I have no knowledge of is to go fish as a non boater in some larger tournaments. It's not real expensive to do and you'll learn a lot.

It’s difficult to run when low because even the “boat lanes” have cut timber in them. Ken Smith helps but still be cautious.

Also, without knowing your talent level. Be prepared to be a donater in your tournaments-on Rayburn for a while. There are real pro’s on that lake that fish every tournament. No matter the size. They will be there everyday on the water. If you don’t know the lake, you’re toast! Best good luck anyway!

https://fishing4dummies.com/product/weekly-sam-rayburn-reservoir-fishing-reports/

I update these reports every few days and also do an extensive map study every week or 2. It’s a great way to stay on top of things for people who can’t be on the water every day.

I would suggest going several times, and each time just focus on fishing in one area. Whether it’s veach, caney, 5 fingers, Black Forest or wherever. Just stay in one area and learn it. It can be a lot of water and you can easily over complicate it.

Go slow if you don’t know….

Personally, go with your son on several tournaments and just fish without entering the tourney. Some of these guys fishing have many decades of knowledge from fishing, and from their mentors. Your throwing your money away if you go in blind, and expect to compete. Use the money you would have paid for the every fee, to pay for several more trips fishing. You don't know, what you don't know. Enjoy the time you spend with your son, and grow with experience on the lake. That is 10 fold more rewarding than donating to the tournament.

Teach him to drive the boat, how to launch the boat, and learn the lake together. That's my .02 cents, that is worth more than anything.

Good luck however you go, and many blessings for a fruitful experience.


Prosise

Agreed, lots of tough competition on Rayburn

Listen to prosise, just go fishing with your boy and learn the lake. Without spending the majority of your time on that lake you will be a donator to the guys that do. If you find a good group of fish jump in one and try to jackpot it. Otherwise get some time out there and just have fun.

Ah I'm different ,Rattle trap T is a fun one, and cheap to fish. You will be fishing against some good sticks. Fish it and have fun.

I got a used Lance Vick chip, just never used it yet, looking fwd to the Ratltrap tournament. I got a good deal on some ratltraps off facebook market place, just need some new hooks. we will be going up next weekend and try the mid lake areas.

Look for the Bleeding Shad color in those used traps and then put a red hook on the front. Then just find all the submerged grass you can in Caney and Veach. Once you find it then just weave in and out of the other thousand boats there throwing that trap on 25 pound flouro. Your boy will catch bass right between all the grown adults in their FXR boats and 5 graphs.

Plenty of good sticks either making their living or supplementing income every T on Rayburn.

But if you are determined fish the grass as mentioned earlier or if you have electronics find brushpiles and yoyo over and around them but get a crankbait retriever.

Lots of scared money on this forum. There are locals waiting to take your money at every tournament lake in Texas. People are just jealous of how much money Rayburn guys get to play for each weekend and prefer to stay on their home lake and win pocket change.