Pulling cranks in october

[fishing addict]

This year I am going to give it a try pulling plug at night later in the fall. Never done this before and need some help getting set up. What size plugs do you guys suggest? What depths do you target? Any advice on rigging the boat for this type of fishing. I have never fished out of a boat at night before. thanks

[Guest]

Well.... for starters... you need to get a GOOD map that outlines the structure you plan to fish. And secondly, make a few runs over prime looking areas to get a "feel" of it. Since this is your first time, I can't stress enough how important it is to know the structure beforehand... as it's a completely different world out there at night. It can be intimidating, so limit yourself to a few key areas, such as Indian Point, Big Point, etc. Unless you're willing to pull the boat out a move to another spot on the otherside of the lake, I'd keep my areas of interest close in approximity from where I am launching from. Do you have a good GPS? That will be a VERY handy tool to have, since it's difficult to orientate your position to land points, and will make it easier to get back to the launch.
You need a big spotlight... 1 million candlepower will do. Just don't keep it on all the time, as it will blind other fisherman trolling the same area! Just use it sparingly.
Lures? Theres plenty to throw at 'em... but a good start is some #12-14 husky jerks, shallow rogues, and the occasional shad-rap. Colors? firetiger, red/brown, and perch are a good start.

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-FNC

"get on the natch"

[shadrapla]

you said rattlin rogue so i check catolog and i am not sure which is best size there have 5 size so let me know thank you for info

[fishing addict]

Thanks for the info FishNchester. what depths should I plan on targeting. Is it usually more productive along the shoreline or over the rock reefs. How about the sandy shoreline along the NE end? thanks

[Crossin' Eyes]

Hi FA.
Most of my better trolling trips at night have been with relativly big baits. I use Rapala Husky Jerks, and the original Husky Floater. I'm usually using the HJ14 size. Last Saturday night I caught a 28" fish as well as an 8" fish and everything in betwwen, so don't worry about it being too big. This bigger silhouette seems to be the ticket for me at night. Before moon rise I like brighter colors like firetigers, clown and Crome Blue, but after moon rise I like the discontinued Red Craw pattern and the crome gold and black pattern. Move around from 3' to 8' alot until you find a consistant pattern that you feel good about. As stated above, find some good rocky points and humps or shallow sandy areas close to some weed growth that are close to your launch point. Run around them and mark some GPS waypoints while it is still light out if you can. I can't tell you how much this helps after dark. It turns into a different world out there.

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Good Fishin!
Crossin

[mistermom]

Hey Guys!
Is there much of a day crankbait bite this time of the year? What kind of depths and structures typically? Thanks!

mm

[Crossin' Eyes]

MM,
Not much of a day bite trolling for eyes right now. Once fall rolls in hard and water temps drop it may pick up more. Evening and night will continue to out-produce.

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Good Fishin!
Crossin