What would you try?

[keithdog]

Today I fished a lake I havn't fished in about 30 years so I am unfamiliar with the lake. I know a little about the structure from looking at a map and talking to guys who fish the lake and so I went out with that knowledge. The conditions were tough. Weather : Strong front out of the north, bright bluebird skies, moderate to strong winds making boat control very tough. John boat with transom trolling motor here. The lake has very clear water with coontail weeds extending deeper into the water than most lakes around here. In the shallows they form mats on the surface that make it hard to work most lures. I tried working the tops of the weed mats with texas rigged worms, floating do nothing worms, weedless spoons and frog baits. Nothing. Also worked the outer thinner weeds with surface baits early, worms, spinner baits and shallow cranks and stick baits. Nothing. Went deeper to the outside edges and tried working deep running cranks, jigging spoons, jig and pigs, weighted texas style worms, heavy spinner baits with willow leaf blades and lighter line for depth. Finally tried trolling the lake to try to locate some fish. Still nothing. Can you think of anything I could have done differently? Maybe I should have tried a carolina rig but after all I did try it seems hopeless. Maybe a trip to Bob Evans was the best choice!!!!!!!!!