Fsihing weed edges and drop-offs - question for the pros...

[Mike Carey]

Just curious on methods and a general question for guys - when I was last out at Sammamish we were targeting the ends of the docks into the drop-offs. However, a lot of thedocks didn't seem to be as deep as I would have liked. How effective is it to fish a weedline, even if it isn't associated with a dock? Say if the dock is 15 ft deep but you position the boat in 22-25 ft deep water and it means you are out 15-20 ft from the dock in open water?

I wonder if I'm getting too hung up on the concept of "deep water" just because I had so much luck that morning on Sammamish we everthing came from deeper than 20 ft docks?

[BassinBomber]

Mike,..I've caught alot of my Smallies right at the edge of the weedline,..seems that's a place for them to ambush the baitfish,..in fact I've been more productive at the edges than the docks,..so anytime I see a spot where the weedline stops/starts I toss my line in,..when I hit Sammamish 2 weeks ago I got skunked hittin the docks so I'm not a big fan,..but I know that they are there,..just not a fan of the docks,..have fun!

BB

[kzoo]

Say if the dock is 15 ft deep but you position the boat in 22-25 ft deep water and it means you are out 15-20 ft from the dock in open water?

This time of the year, the dock is probably choked with weeds, maybe looking for a largie. I stay on the edge, even it's 100 ft away from the docks. Key is to find docks that is at the weed edge or beyond.

[JWerner]

Couple factors. Is it a straight weedline that is relatively featureless or one with slight points with shallow/deep pockets? Also sunny day vs. cloudy day can really effect fish use of the line.

[Anglinarcher]

Good responses above, and all I can add is that depth and edges are more important than docks. Docks do add a second factor, additional structure, and as has been suggested, looking for pockets, bottom changes - depth and/or composition, weed type changes, etc., all make the weed edge better.

[Bigbass Dez]

Mike ,

Okay if it's a sunny blue bird day , Try and stay away from the docks , smallies hate direct sunlight so fishing the "first" drop off (10-15) is worth checking first thing in the morning . As the day progresses position yourself out so that your fishing the second drop off (20-25) .. Its good to review the topo map of the lake and get a ideal of the depth of water your wanting to sit in prior to getting to the lake .. This time of the year you can catch smallies in as deep as 40+ ft up to about 15ft , the key is finding those 3lb + fish .. If you can get one to bite , lock in that depth and fish it around the lake .. And dont forget to work those points .. thats were iv been nailing them the most ..

Sounds like your spending alot of time bassing this year , sweet keep it up .. :batman: BBD