Friday, May 13, 2016

10 Tips for Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks

For over 80 years, the Lake of the Ozarks has offered some of the best fishing in the country. Whether you enjoy getting out in the hot summer or braving the cold in the winter, the Lake of the Ozarks offers year-round fishing. The Lake is home to a number of different fish species including: black and white crappie, bluegill, spoonbill, gizzard shad, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white bass, walleye, gar, hybrid striper, largemouth bass and spotted bass. The aquatic diversity and sheer size of the Lake make for endless fishing opportunities.

Lake Fishing Tips


1. Know What Type of Fish You Want to Catch. Do some research before you hit the Lake. Learn about the habits and habitat of the type of fish you want to find. Some fish bite better in the morning, while others are hungrier in the afternoon. Some like cold water, while others stick to warmer, more shallow waters.

2. Fish in the Inlets & Outlets. Fish like specific temperatures and will generally hangout in areas of the Lake that they find comfortable. Places where water enters or drains from a lake will typically be much cooler and favorable to most types of fish.

3. As the Heat Index Rises, You'll Need to Fish Deeper. The hotter it gets outside, the deeper you'll need to fish. This is because most fish tend to like cool temperatures and will retreat to deeper, cooler water as the outside temperature rises. During dusk and dawn, the fish are more likely to come to more shallow water to feed.

4. Make Sure You Have Proper Equipment. For simple fishing, you'll need a basic fishing set that includes: a rod, reel, line and hooks. Filling your tackle box with other items such as a flashlight, an adjustable wrench, pliers, a first aid kit, spare hooks and rod tips, a glue stick and a lighter can come in handy too. 

5. Choose the Right Bait. Even fish have preferences when it comes to food, so be sure to use the type of bait that your target fish enjoy. Be sure to cover the hook with the worm or other bait in a way that the fish gets set on it when they chomp down on the bait. Don't leave the bait hanging to where they can just rip it off and get away.

6. Hunt for Sunken Structures. Fish like to hang out around structures that make them feel safe and that provide the opportunity to ambush other fish. Structures such as downed trees, branches and even man-made fish habitats are a great place to fish.

7. Look for the Weeds. A lot of big fish, like largemouth bass, like to ambush their prey from a nice comfy bed of weeds. Locate some weed beds and try getting your bait and/or lure in that area to see if you can coax a fish to bite. Weed beds that lead to deeper water and create a break line are the best. 

8. Use the Wind to Your Advantage. On days with a strong breeze, you can expect the bait fish to get pushed closer to shore, meaning the big fish will come closer to shore to feed. Watch for drift lines and follow them, they'll lead you to the fish.

9. Read Local Reports and Maps. Check the nearest bait shops for local topographical maps and fishing activity reports before you head out on the water. Maps that show the contour bottom of the lake help you find the drop-offs and other locations that certain fish prefer, like deep holes or mossy areas.

10. Practice Peace and Patience. For a successful fishing experience, you need to keep the noise to a minimum and be patient. Keep a close watch for any fishing line movement. A quick hard tug is a chance to hook a fish if you are ready!

While the Lake of the Ozarks draws in many tournament anglers, the Lake also offers a great place for amateur fishermen who are just looking for a fun and relaxing time out on the water. If you have a boat dock at the Lake of the Ozarks where you keep your fishing boat year round, keep Summerset Boat Lifts in mind for all your boat lift needs. We sell new and used boat lifts, and also offer boat lift service at the Lake of the Ozarks. Give us a call at 573-348-5073 for all things boat lift related.

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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