Eric-

Thanks for the report on Geist. I've fished it one time back in the Bassin' Days with the IU Bloomington Bass Club. I do remember the vegetation.

Were you able to locate live bait? I'm assuming it was Gizzard Shad?

Matt

 

I'm just here for the secret additions to your drift rig.

 

Geist had a 70 pound flathead caught last year and apparently are more common than you think and not pressured at all. I was schooled recently on there being a small population of hog blue cats as well. That launch fee is for the birds though.

 

The launch fee would be what would slow me down also. Just like at Lake Lemon. I don't mind reasonable fees but I feel fees that high are meant to restrict fishing.

 

Eric, did you find vegetation out in the deeper water also or mostly along the shallower areas.

 

Can't give away all my secrets Jones, Lol!
Thanks for that info Josh. I found some submerged old bridge pilings, or something similar, while drifting. May have to try to set on those with some live gills next time.
Matt, I actually had plenty of extra shad left over from the previous night on Eagle creek. Never threw the net in Geist. I'd definitely try the large dock areas if was looking for some.
Tom, there was no vegetation deeper than 14ft. However, any time I would drift parts of the lake with veg nearby there was so much of it floating around that it would bunch up on my lines.
There was a large gravel pit on the north end of the lake. Didn't find it till I was on my way back to the dock. It was deeper there than right in front of the dam.

 

I'm headed back out to Geist tomorrow evening. If anyone else happens to be out there, we will be in a Tracker vhull w rod rack.
Anyone ever have luck catching shad out there? Going to be my first time throwing a net in that lake. It's always a little scary throwing in a new place, you never know what's down there waiting to destroy the net.

 

Found large schools of 4-5" shad on the south wall of the bridge in the center of the lake. Got enough bait in two throws.
Catching catfish was another story. Drifted the same stretch I did well on last week, only to catch one. Suspended live baits around structure, no luck. Tried the drop offs around the gravel pit, no luck.
Fish probably went shallow. Veg growth is so thick in the shallows , can't figure out the best way to fish those conditions. Any input?

 

Bobbers?

 

That was my thought too, Matt. I'm so used to drifting and suspending, that it's hard for me to get away from tight line tactics. I guess I need to be more open minded, Lol!

 

You could try slip floats right on the edge of the weeds close to the main channels. It might work for these high and dry days.

 

I wouldn't think slip bobbers would be the only way to do that Eric. Find areas that aren't as weedy or fish the edges, etc. Not the type of fishing I like to do! On another note, I did put 3 fish over 30 pounds in the boat on the white last week!

 

You're right, it's not the only was to do it. But it is a sure-fire method to slow the presentation way down if the fish are neutral or negative. Plus, you can try out different depths in the water column to see what's more effective. And, it's simple and fun!

Nice job on the 30 lbers!

 

Nice Josh! That's a good catch. Live bait?