Hardy Pond

[JMoney]

Anybody fish Hardy lately?  I went up there this past Saturday and couldn't find a smallie!  I fished my favorite points but only landed 3 pike.  I love going there in the spring, but this time of year seems to be a different beast???  I want to go back up there this weekend, but need some tips to find the Hardy hogs! 

[Slipkey]

JMoney,

I was up there Sunday for about 5 hours.  My best 5 only went about 11 lbs. This time of year it's tougher to come by the big ones.

Anywhere weeds and rock come together usually holds fish.  The flats on the inside bends in the upper portion of the lake can have some good topwater fishing early in the morning.  When the sun gets up try weightless flukes and senkos (straight and/or wacky-style) up in weed pockets on the outside edges.

My best summer fish in size have come from flipping the wood on the outside bends up in the Muskegon River. 

For a deep bite try weighted Senko's or tubes (crawfish colors work best in tubes for me) on the breaks in 15-20 feet.  Once you make contact with some rocks and shell beds on those breaks, there's usually fish around - better if there's some current flowing.

If you want to work harder, there are areas of the main lake that have nice mid-depth ridge of 8-12' off the bank.  You can put the trolling motor on high and run down the edges with a crankbait to pick up fish.  Most of these fish are on the small side, though.

Hope that helps.

[JMoney]

Hey thanks Slipkey, I'll definitely give these techniques a try.  I'll do a write up on Monday and let you know how I do! 

[Slipkey]

No problem.  Hope you catch 'em good.  The pike action can be non-stop in the summer so I tend to stay away from flashy stuff when I'm fishing around weed edges.  Seems like my percentage of bass caught to pike goes up from toning things down a bit.