This year we had pretty good success once again fishing LBDN.
One of the keys for us was adapting to the wind changes and swings in the ole barometer that went along with it.
Winds switched from the SSE to NE to NW and back to the SW. With winds out of the SE and a moderate chop we did well drifting with spinner rigs and 1/4oz jigs in the 17-24 ft depths. Water temps were in the 54-56 degree range
The main reefs were loaded with boats so we elected to stay away from crowds as much as possible. Besides, the reef areas held quite a few fish, but many undersized ones were being caught.
With winds out of the NE, the shallower water bite picked up. Long line drifting with spinner rigs as well as jig/crawlers in 5-9ft did well with a moderate chop.
We also did some slip bobbering with flu flu jigs and 1/16oz fireball jigs with crawlers and medium leeches. Water temps did get as high as 61. Throw in a little current and wind and the shallow water turned on for us.
One bonus of fishing shallower water was the variety of fish caught. We caught a number of smallies with (2) 5lb and (1) 6lb beauty. Caught sheephead up to 8lb, suckers, and perch in the 10-11’ range. It wasn’t a terrific bite but with a little patience, a number of good fish were caught every day. With all the sizes of walleyes caught this past week, it looks like there are a number of classes of fish out in the bay. Looks good for the years to come. Can’t wait to come back.
Dave C. ( Coffee)
