Kevin Van Dam Forums

hey just need some feedback on this setup based on a lake ill be fishing in an upcoming tournament..

I’ve got rods for

1) Spinnerbait (firetiger/white, 3/8 ounce kvd)
2)Topwater (rapala skitter pop , heddon torpedo)
3) Senko (bubblegum)
4) Jig (3/8 ounce, green pumpkin, gpumpkin trailer)
5) Red eye shad (sexy shad, 3/8 ounce)
6) Stickbait (rapala x-10 , perch color)

7) Beaver bait 3/8 ounce bullet sinker

The last one is separated because its replaceable, havent used it much… its a canadian lake, most of it is 5-7 feet deep with a few rock shoals and isolated milfoil beds in the middle of the lake.. it branches off into another lake which is filled mostly with pads and logs, a few shores with overhanging trees…

Main question would be where and how to fish the red eye shad and stickbait in this lake…. and a possible replacement for the beaver… preferably something to flip/pitch..

And also to ensure that all of the cover i listed is suitable for a jig and senko to be thrown in… and if the weights/rigs are correct..

thanks a bunch guys…

How far off is your tourney?
If it is fairly recent then I would scratch the top water biat.

Fish the red eye shad a couple different ways. Slowly pull it over the the rock shoals and thoroughly work it around the milfoil. Your going to have to play with your retrieve once you get on the water.
Jig and beaver are great flipping baits. You may also want to consider a Zoom Super Hawg, a tube, or a craw. My two choice colors are green pumpkin or black in stained water or watermelon in clearer water.
You can fish the jig and senko just about anywhere if you do it right. Not sure about bubblegum for my senko color but if it works for you then go for it.
You will have to let the fish tell you if your weights are right. Some things you have to figure out on the water.