Forum

fishpmc wrote:
I've had tremendous sucess in Spring on the Cave. You have to really watch water levels as Spring tends to flood the Cave. THat being said I've located Musky in areas that are not your typical musky "Hotspots". You'll be in great hands with Tony. If anyone knows that lake it would be him.

Driving down there from the north, I've run into problems in the WV hills with snow but other than that it was smooth sailing.

Best of luck to you.

Hopefully the snow will be finished by then. fingers crossed.

Tom Sabia wrote:
Tony and his guides know the lake as well as anyone down there. I guess you are towing your boat down there but if you don't use a guide then you are doing yourself a disservice. The Cave is over 8000 acres and Tonys guides will up your odds of finding fish significantly. Bring your rattle baits and bulldogs and jerk baits. That will be a good start and if they're hitting on something else, Tony will have what you need. Make sure your tow vehicle is in good shape because those mountains in W. Maryland and WV are rough. I know all about breaking down in the middle of nowhere, twice!! Good luck.

I am towing my boat down, but I am also going out with Tony for the 2nd and 3rd day I will be there. The first day will be strictly an exploration day and hopefully after some coaching from Tony we will be able to boat some fish on our own. I have a decent selection of rattle baits, some bulldawgs, and quite a few jerks. I just did new brakes/rotors all around, throwing some fresh plugs in it, and a trans flush before I leave.

larryc wrote:
I expect the Cave to be several weeks behind with our record snow and cold. Years ago I'd often not fish when we'd get to the lake and see very muddy water. Finally learned the fish still eat . ;D Rattle baits work most of the time . Cranks cast or trolled. The amount of submerged timber accounts for the popularity of spinnerbaits. Jigging tubes or Bondy baits has been a winner in recent years.
Be aware if you troll the Zilpo flats area there is a HUGE beech tree submerged that must have thousands of dollars worth of baits snagged on upright limbs and the WIDE tangle of roots.
It is a shad based lake and under variable weather conditions you might mark muskies relating to shad schools in deeper water.
Another caution : watch out for trotlines in coves and creek arms. Big PITA trying to get unsnagged from those nylon cords. >:(

I am starting to realize that it is going to be behind as well, but talking to Tony he seemed optimistic about the fishing. Tubes and Bondy's are one thing I don't have any of. I did pick up a lure retriever for those specific instances.

Thanks for all the pointers guys! I appreciate it. If I can put a few muskies in the boat for the week and I'll be a happy camper, but regardless it is a week off and I'll be fishing. I'm happy just to knock the cobwebs off of the equipment. haha

ChadT wrote:
Good luck on your trip Lenny!

Thanks chad! I'll post a report when I get back.

larryc wrote:
Hoping you get a good warm up pre trip ! "if" you have really high water don't overlook flooded launch areas /parking lots. Got one a few years ago by a flooded dumpster. Friend got one by a flooded restroom. 😮

Thanks for the advice Larry. I have heard this before and will def put it to use if the water is up that high. Hoping for some warm weather/decent water to get the fish moving.

Thanks all! I would have liked to have a little more stable weather, but it does make for a memorable experience. Very few fish were caught all week, and we even out-caught Tony and the guides 2 days, which made us feel pretty good. The day we left there was a 48, and a 48.5 caught, and yesterday someone bagged a 50.

blkdrs, that tuff shad broke on the day we had the record low. it had some weeds on it and we gave it a slap on the water. It just fell apart. Its funny you should say that, because that is exactly what I told my father. haha. as far as the open water goes, it doesn't look like we will be fishing the river for a few weeks. Is Marsh Creek open? I wouldn't mind giving that another shot soon.