Posted: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 12:15 PM - 20,066 Readers

By: Austin American Statesman

The gregarious nature of most fish species sure makes it easier for Lake Travis anglers. This is especially true when fishing deep structure in the summer or winter.

The deeper zones are where fish really bunch up in large concentrations. Shallow fish in the prime spring and fall months scatter out and force anglers to cover lots of shoreline water.

Locate schools of deep fish and you can often sit on the same spot for extended periods and catch big numbers. A quality sonar unit will precisely reveal deep fish, whether hugging the bottom or suspending well off the bottom.

A vertical presentation usually works best in the 20- to 40-foot zone. Schools of black bass, white bass, crappie and catfish appreciate curb service with an artificial lure or live bait dropped right in front of their face.

Recently my family bookings are enjoying steady, deep water action for catfish and white bass. Chrome or white jigging spoons appeal mostly to the bass clan, while fat nightcrawler worms really get catfish excited.

During the first hour of daylight we are catching a fair number of black bass on surface lures and plastic worms. An experienced plastic worm angler can do pretty well all morning long, but most of my clients prefer the easier, more relaxing deep water method.

Kids can get worn out continually casting a lure, so fishing straight down and getting frequent rod-bending bites is preferred.

The fish can often surprise you. At times white bass, black bass and even crappie will gulp up live worms. We also catch lots of catfish on jigging spoons. Monster buffalo carp and hungry drum crash our party often.

All of these deep water fish are fun to catch on light tackle and most are excellent eating. I’m having to re-sharpen my fillet knife frequently.

The only video game I ever play is interpreting my color sonar screen and letting it put fish in my live well for the ride back to Lakeway Marina.

*  Story Contributed by: Austin American Statesman