Shallow Water Tactics

[Stan Wright]

This was writen by "Tucmaster"... some of the best advice for catching big peacock bass under low water conditions I've ever seen.
It's worth reading and rereading.
Thanks again "Tukemaster"
Aloha,
Stan


"The cove by the boat ramp almost dry, Boy Scout Island saddle almost dry - wow that IS low. The California grass along the shore must be high and dry. If you like to target the larger shoreline cruising tucs during low water:

Try the points first. During low water, the banded jewel cichlids and small tilapia are flushed out of the California grass, and if there's no other shoreline cover nearby, you'll often find the cichlids/tilapia congregating in very shallow water along the points in an effort to avoid being ambushed by larger tucs.

If the larger shoreline tucs aren't on the points, then they're probably nosing up beneath available cover, looking for cichlids hiding in fallen trees and under submerged root masses of the ironwood trees. Quietly sneaking up to this kind of cover is my favorite low-water tactic. It's tough trying to pull decent-sized tucs out of that stuff without getting tangled and breaking them off. I do lose a lot of terminal tackle and get a lot of frayed line during low water periods. But sometimes you gotta go where the larger fish are at.

All of this is just based on my own experience. Hopefully some out there might be able take some of this information and use it. Good luck and good fishing. Tucmaster out."

[bsp]

Maybe a tilapia swimbait (Tru-Tungsten or Mattlures) would be effective during this period as well?

[Stan Wright]

Those lures are amazing...
Tru-Tungsten Lure
http://www.tru-tungsten.com/cart.php?ta ... duct_id=64

Mattlures
http://baitdomain.com/catalog/index.php ... a897aecbed

[Ca_Bass]

I used crankbaits successfully during the times of shallow, I'll cast past the point/school of tilapia and run my crankbait right though them. I think what happens is the school of tilapia flee from your crankbait and whatever was intrested in them before is left looking at your crank bait sitting in front of it's face. I would guess that the mattlures would work as well, Too bad they don't make a 2 or 3 inch model....That would work for sure.

[Ken]

I'd say get the 5" baby bass model and jig them through the nest when the peacock is spawning

[Ca_Bass]

I have tried the Matt Lures Tilapia and the yellow perch which I think resembles a 5 spot or a baby tuc quite well. I got hit on the yellow perch but nothing on the Tilapia...But I have to say that when my buddy is getting nailed every few cast on our favorite flies it's kinda hard to keep chunking the swim baits for those lunkers.

[mdl]

I just started fishing the lake and have not had any success with the fly rod...I have used a white and chartreuse clouser and a white and orange/brown clouser (pearl flash tied in each) on a number 6 hook with dumbell eyes...any other recommendations on fly patterns...also would be interested on what lures to use with the bait caster...tried zara baby spooks and chug bugs on top (only one take...small LM) and storm crank baits (3 inch) in dark red/gold and gray and white....one take (small TUC)...any recommendations

[bsp]

I'd say get the 5" baby bass model and jig them through the nest when the peacock is spawning

Or try the Tilapia Mattlures Ultimate Blue gill as a nest bait. It stands on its nose so it looks like it really is eating the eggs
Also try slathering some Smelly Jelly on the swimbaits too.