Folks, we've caught plenty of whites and some hybrids over time in this lake from our little 14' metal boat. But now we have a G3 and I need to put my kiddo on the hybrids (he's eight). Can I get some tips on where, when and how? Thanks for all your help. I've heard in February you can catch them under birds with rattle traps. (True or false)?

Thanks, thanks, thanks.

Under birds yes. Rattletraps in February probably not.

Check out Moes tackle on here for sassy shad type lures that are productive in winter for hybrids and stripers.

Honestly, if your kid has the typical patience level of most eight year olds, I might recommend that you use live bait - shad, perch, shiners - at first, then have him using lures.

Some of my biggest hybrids have come on rattletraps when the birds are working,but not when its been really cold. +1 on the live bait for and 8 year old. Let him get casting down before he starts whipping treble hooks around your boat. If you go on the weekend, just look for boats hanging out in the main lake. As long as you don't crowd anyone out, most of the guys out there don't mind sharing the area.

Thanks guys. Yeah, you're right about the attention span stuff. Its a tough time of year for a kid to tough out the cold and the slower fishing. He's done really well in the summer on the sandies and I want to step him up a bit.

Maybe I just want to get to know Mr. Hybrid a little better. He's a bit sneaky in my opinion.