Catching Bait.

[bushwacker]

Sorry if this has been covered. Just wondering about catching bait. I have read this time of year to throw at lights. I have a dock in a cove at lumpkins and can catch some bait there but last weekend I didn't catch but 8-10. Just didn't seem like many at my light. I was determined to fish so I set out with those and some artificial with no luck. By the time I got to the blackwater cove where a big school was I was a min. too late and only had two baits left. With that being said if my dock isn't producing is it ok to just throw on anyone's lights? What should I be looking for? I am also needing a bigger net I just have a 6' fitec now that is pretty light and sinks pretty slow. So I am in the market but I am not sure another box can show up at the door right now. lol

[Jason54]

Have it shipped to your work:D No one owns the lake you can throw on others peoples lights. Not to say you will not get jumped on by some folks but most don't have a problem with it. The light at captains quarters is usually good but can be crowded this time of year.

[bushwacker]

Thanks for the reply does anyone know of any good locations towards the pennhook area?

[R22]

Fairly close to you, I would say the large community docks at Vista Point are usually pretty good. And yes, as the water begins to cool and your target bait becomes gizzards, you are going to need a bigger net. Tim Wade nets is a good choice. He now has a website and is located Florida. Tell him what you are targeting and at what depth and he will recommend and customize the net to meet your needs. Go ahead and get a couple of nets. It may cost more but there will be fewer boxes arriving at your door.

wadescastnets.wordpress.com/

[mwardncsu]

bushwacker - how deep is the water at your light? With these high summer surface water temps, shallower lights are not going to produce much - look for lights with at least 15' of water if not closer to 20'+. Also, the bait likely will move into the lights later in the evening as evening lets the surface temps cool a little bit. Use your sonar to see if you're marking an bait under the light - sometimes just off of the light in the dark edge is where they will hang out. Also, I like lights that are in at 15-20' of water, but close to a ledge with deeper (and thus cooler) water very near-by.....

[bushwacker]

The end of my dock is 10' so it's a little shallow for this time of year