| Method 1EquipmentI fish baits at all depths, not just | | | | most expensive but it is practical. The main thing to |
| the bottom, in wide-open water. I always set up and | | | | remember is to keep whatever equipment you use in |
| fish deep lake structures. Besides an understanding of | | | | good condition. Many know all too well about the |
| the contours on the bottom of the lake, being mobile | | | | disasters that can be caused by old line and |
| and being able to read your fish locator are the keys. | | | | improperly maintained fishing equipment and big Blues |
| The tools I use are 8-foot heavy action rods, circle | | | | will test everything from your knots to your rod |
| hooks, cut and live shad, balloons and the | | | | holders. If there is a weak link, they will expose it.Find |
| all-important fish locator. I use 30-pound line, large | | | | the Big FishYou need to know how to tell the |
| capacity reels, 8-foot heavy action rods, 2 oz. Egg | | | | difference between larger fish and bait fish while |
| sinkers, barrel swivels and #7/0 circle hooks.Basically | | | | using your fish locator.There are two main structures |
| a Carolina Rig, I have a hook with an 18-inch leader | | | | that I catch Blue Cats on: ledges and humps. Blue |
| tied to your barrel swivel, which is connected to your | | | | Cats are creatures of edges and they seem to |
| main line, which is where your egg sinker is attached. | | | | congregate on the brake lines of ledges and humps. |
| My boat is equipped with steel rod holders, a | | | | The one-two punch comes when you find these |
| hand-controlled trolling motor, two fish locators, a big | | | | structures with both bait fish and big fish mixed |
| dip net and marker buoys. My equipment is not the | | | | together on your locator. |