TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Good morning brothers. I have a question for you as I continue to work on these rods and the 'ol jon boat...

There is a very large lake near me that gets a lot of high wind. Because of this, it is not safe for me to take my little dingy out and explore the offshore depths. However, there are miles and miles of steep, rocky shoreline. I'm wondering a few things and would love your input as I plan my initial trip here in IL...

1. What is your favorite way to work steep, rip-rap banks? I'm thinking about a deep diving crank, or possibly stroking a lipless to get even deeper - it gets really deep and the rocks are huge in this lake - and we're talking miles and miles of shoreline. Could never cover it all. Probably going to take a bike and pedal to an area, fish it quickly for active bass, and move within 5 minutes unless we get bit.

2. For context - the lake in question is LaSalle Lake in Illinois. The last time I explored this particular body of water, I only caught dinks, but saw some big ones and on another trip I broke off on a good fish that I believe was a big smallie, and I'm not trying to spam the forum but this vid shows the lake in more detail: LaSalle Lake Fishing Day 1

I think it's worth giving it another shot, but with 4 boys and very limited time, I need to be smart about where I invest limited fishing time...

Thanks for any and all feedback - and happy Saturday!

Jeremy Loc: America

1 watercraft. I prefer using watercraft big or small whenever possible. Not limited to one angle of presentation or stuck with the position of sun when can maneuver watercraft for advantage.

TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Thank you - I should specify I'm shore bound for the time being when it comes to lakes this big. Wind whips up right quick and it's wide open and elevated - gets very nasty very fast.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

You could try a crank bait (lipless, or not), a Ned rig, a wacky rigged Senko and perhaps a small spinner bait. Depending on the ages of the boys, slip bobbers and worms may be helpful?
Good luck!

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

A lot of unknowns to offer really specific advice. Things that are common to a specific type of lake cause bass to behave differently. But, in general truly vertical walls make great highways for the fish to use when they travel. The key here is that your fish aren't hanging around so a moving bait is a great choice. You mentioned big boulders and this can create the fishing hot spots I would target. This area will hold crawdads and baitfish. Bass will use it as an ambush spot. The real plus is that just about any bait will work. I wouldn't be surprised if you establish a pattern from the bank where you
catch a fish or two from every bolder area that has the same characteristics in size, depth, and make up.

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

I caught a lot of big fish in Lake Ontario from the shore with Little Cleo spoons and Rapala plugs. Fish a pattern where you cover 180 degrees of the water, then move to another spot until you find a school of fish.

TooMuch Loc: NE Alabama

Is catching your main goal or spending time with the kids building great memories? Both? Is the dingy big enough for all? Take them out and learn together! I like to spend 20-30 minutes on scouting trips prior to taking guests so that I have some info on the area. Bluegil and perch are the best way to introduce young uns and are tasty rewards afterwards. Have fun and tight lines

TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Guys I'm sorry the kids will be at home this trip - what I meant was that with 4 kids it's hard to make time to fish. They are the priority. When I take them out we hit creeks and small city lakes :)

TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Thanks man! I'm not sure what the heck to try but this is helpful. Appreciate it!



Thank you for the quality response. You brought up an excellent point and I think it's a good idea to be on the lookout for similar items (any sort of pattern) with the amount of shoreline that I COULD fish. Great point.



Smallmouth, by chance? I'm looking for largies & smallies, and never caught a striper although I believe there are "hybrids" or "wipers" or... something... in there...

Thanks guys, this is a start for sure!

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Trout

TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Gotcha - thanks!

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Senko wacky rigged. cast near parallel to bank, ie. 1 to 10 feet of water. Let let it free fall working out a few feet each cast. If no hit, then cast into 10 to 20 feet of water. The fish will let you know what depth they are in. Note: they will be in very shallow water at sunrise and sunset. Maybe even only a foot or two from dry land.walk a few step and repeat. Given limited clarity on your location, I would expect you should use a weedless hook. Let worm sink all the way to the bottom then let sit for 15 seconds. Any color will work as long as it is watermelon green. Watch your line. A lot of bites are seen rather than felt.

TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Hey thanks! So question regarding rip-rap... you mentioned they would be up SUPER shallow at sunrise and sunset. I know we're talking "usually", but is that the case on both slow-tapering and steep rip-rap shorelines? I've never really paid too much attention to what time of day it was vs. how ultra shallow some of the fish were... maybe I should do a better job of that... thanks for the tip!

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Always remember the 80/20 rule... 80% of the fish are in 20% of the water. You can let your bait sit on the bottom for 24 hours and catch nothing if you are fishing where there are no fish. There is really no substitute for getting out there, observing all the variables, and learning each time. Done right, in short order you'll know where to go and when. I always tell myself when those inevitable skunks happen that it was an opportunity to learn and not a reason to get discouraged.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

First, correction on my part. "They could, not would be" The more predatory fish move into the shallows as the light gets lower to chase bait fish, even in shallow bank rip rap. I often go fishing in the evening about the time everyone else is headed home. I have hooked smallmouth bass in water that barely covered the fishes back.