Hello,

I just bought a small 1973 14' Alumacraft w/ Johnson 20HP. I live in Rockwall and can easily access sheltered portions of Lavon or Ray Hubbard. I plan to intruduce my boys (4 & 2) to fishing and boating soon and want to make sure they catch something.

I think bream would give me the best chance of catching something as I am no great fisherman. Can someone recommend somewhere to fish for bluegill/red-ears/etc on one of these lakes near a boatramp. I need to make sure it is fairly close to a ramp as I do not feel comfortable on the big sections of lake yet.

Also, any suggestions to depth or rigging would be greatly appreciated. I have a GPS if you want to send coordinates, but don't expect anyone to give up their sweet spots.

I know we could probably catch something at a local pond, but the purpose is to spend some time on the boat together too.

Thank you and God Bless.
Robert

It is great that you are taking your kids fishing. Keep em fishing and you will never go wrong. The Sunfish are starting to get active and as warmer weather approaches they will get very active. Keep your Sunfish tackle very simple. Size 6 hooks, Six pound test line, a small to medium size sinker, and a small pole. Start fishing around brush piles, structure such as large rocks, trees, and docks. Under neath bridges is usually good also. Also look for budding or fully bloomed tree lines. You can usually find Sunfish just about anywhere. They will be in 2 to 6 feet of water. Docks and tree lines usually hold a good population of Sunfish. It only takes a few minutes to know if they are there. Good luck and give us a report on how you and your Sons do.

Thank you for the information. This is all very help. I hope to get them out this weekend weather permitting. Is one lake known to be any better than the other for sunfish?

I hear a few reports of nice bluegills and other sunnies from Lavon every year. I think your best bet would be to find a nice, protected cove with a ton of sun beating on it. A good set of polarized sunglasses is the best tool you have for finding colonies of nests. I wouldn't be looking for sunnie activity deeper than 6'. I'm hoping the males are starting to flood the shallows by you by now. I don't have any first hand info; never been to either of those lakes before. A good fixed bobber rig is probably your best bet. If the fish are deeper than 5', itroduce them to a drop shot rig. The best search tool for finding sunnies in the warmer months is a micro crankbait IMHO. A Bill Lewis tiny rattle trap, a Rapala Floating Minnow and a Rebel Crickhopper would be my search tools this time of the year by you. May not catch a ton with them, but you'll most likely find where they're located.

Hope this helps and good luck out there. Hope to see some great reports and pics from you're trip!

Weather you catch a fish or not just getting your kids out is worth it. Good job Dad!

Try the boat launch off of HWY 66. There is a nice area by the cattails that always produces, and you have the rip rap by the hwy. There is a nice little park there and your convenient to some lunch or breakfast stops as well.

Thank you. I drive across 66 every night on the way home and always wonder about those cat-tails just north of the ramp as well as the piers on the 66 bridge. I appreciate the help!

Thank you,
Robert