Struggling on Chick

[SuthernCut]

Spent all my life fishing from the banks on small lakes. Always excelled and done well. Got a Kayak about 5 years ago and again done well.

Finally got a boat summer of 21 and started fishing Chick and boy has it been tough. I rarely catch fish there and they are under 1 lb. when I do. I have studied maps, read articles, YouTube videos, forums etc. I have thrown everything a man could think of and fished the banks, creeks, ledges, flats, points, docks etc., but I can never get on the fish.

I'm to the point of paying a guide so I can see how people get on the fish there.

I'm not asking for anyone's fishing spots, but any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

 

[Jpull]

Kinda of what you said. I've fished Chick for years and never scored the big one. It's a BIG lake with lots of opportunities. My biggest there is a 7. Mostly fishing Nickajack now because I like river/current fishing.
Good luck

 

[rsimms]

Full disclosure... I'm a guide (not a bass guide) and operate Scenic City Fishing Charters. That said, in ANY fishing situation, a professional guide is always going to be able to teach/help anyone get over the hump. I'm a pretty darn good fisherman, in most fresh or saltwater situations. BUT, if I go new places on a vacation I ALWAYS book a guide. There are many good ones on Chickamauga, some are listed here: https://fishlakechick.com/guided-adventure/

But don't think that going on one guide trip will teach you how to catch fish 12 months out of the year. You'll get one snapshot at what is happening on that particular day. But a good guide will answer your questions that can potentially help you year round. I would suggest that a $250 to $350 investment (based on our Rates, and less per person if you bring a friend) would pay longterm dividends.

 

[FishingwithRusty]

hirnig a guide is a smart move, its unfortunate that soooo many bass fisherman somehow think its a bad thing. most everything we do we learn from someone, sometimes you have to pay for that knowledge/learning experience. ive fished my whole life and i hire a guide when i need to learn something im struggling with on my own. in fact, before i moved to chick(6yrs ago) i refused to throw a lipless crankbait, now its a bait i look forward to throwing through the winter months. spending a day on the lake with one of the local guides a couple of years ago helped me and ive built on that knowledge since then. you will learn more in one day from a GOOD guide than you will in 6mos on your own. be clear and honest about your goals and expectations upfront with the guide so they know what theyre job is for the day.