Brush Piles

[Dan]

During the coverage online of the Forest Wood Cup an angler, can't remember who, stated that he and his son had spent some prefishing time building brush piles and that he went back and caught most of his fish off these brush piles. What do you think of that as a strategy? I wouldn't think you would be allowed to cut brush and sink it before a tournament. I don't think you can drop brush like that in Michigan period. Anybody know the MDNR's stance on that? I have also heard anglers say that they will drag logs and stuff they find on the bottom to various places and then GPS them before a tournament in hopes of creating structure that will produce fish for them later. How much of this do you think goes on?

[bshaner]

It was Dion Hibdon.

I've read in several articles from the pro's themselves that they drop brushpiles months before tournaments.

They actually make them commercially out of PVC specifically for that purpose.

I'm relatively sure it happens alot.

B

[Dan]

That just doesn't seem kosher to me.

[bshaner]

I tend to agree.  Ranks right up there with Biosonix if you ask me.

Rod and Reel should be your only tools to attract fish in my opinion.

Doesnt make it write or wrong I guess.

B

[cr]

I overheard someone talking about putting a artificial ball/structure in LSC ,and when he contacted the DNR there was a $80 fee and they wanted to know the GPS coordinances so they could publish them .

[Fishmael]

My guess is that it both occurs regularly, and if it isn't in line with regulations, happens during the not-so-light hours.  So if anyone sees a Ranger that looks like an oak tree pulling away from the launch, either call them in, or follow and GPS to come back and fish later!

[csfishslayer]

you can make your own brush piles in michigan but you have to get a permit from the DNR first it think they are pretty cheap . and I think pretty easy to get. as for doing before a tournament that sound pretty unfair. if there is no rule about that I think they should make one .

[dashaver63]

I would think that would be as close to cheating as you could get. Thats why the pro's have thousands of dollars of electronics on their boats, to find and fish existing structure. If I were fishing against someone that did that, I might get a little upset. It's one thing for recreational fishermen to plant structure to attract gamefish, but to go out and create your own little hotspot too get an edge in a big tournament? I'd rather create my own edge with my ability to read a depth finder and find fish.

[csfishslayer]

I agree.

[Waterfoul]

BUT, you have got to love brush piles!!!!  While I have never made my own on any lake, I have found some that others have made.  One lake in particular my partner and I fished 3 tournies on this summer we found a fairly large brush pile with awsome results... 2nd place with 11+ pounds and big bass... 1st place with 12+ lbs... and 1st place with nearly 12 lbs. with big bass (4.1 lbs!).   We barely move the boat the entire night on that lake.

Do I condone the pros for "building structure" before a tourney?  No.  But I sure do love those brush piles!!

[bassinman#1]

An old man told me years ago that he would sink a ladies nylon stocking full of cornmeal the day before fishing. This would attract the little bluegill that inturn would attract the bass. Then he would fish that area all day and catch all kinds of bass.

[Hooksetter]

Dashaver63, I couldn't have said it better myself. I just don't think it's right. Not in a tournament situation.

Willie

[Flippin222]

This is a common practice further south (especially on impounded reservoirs). I belive there have been articles written on this practice as well. I have heard of people spending their winter's sinking upwards of 60 to 80 brush piles on points. Most will tell you that for every 10 that are sunk, only 1 or 2 will be productive and that may change from year to year (one that is hot this year may not be hot next year).

As for the cheating portion of it, my opinion is that if you are willing to do the work and it is not against the rules, you can't call it cheating.

Let me ask this question: If you find a man made brush pile with all these electronics we have, and it is loaded with fish, do you still fish it during a tournament (assuming it is man made)? If you can't tell if it is man made or not how do you know to fish it or not? If putting the brush pile there is cheating, isn't fishing it cheating as well (it is not illegal to drink, but it is illegal to drink and drive)?

Just general questions, will be interested to hear any responses.

[dashaver63]

Good point. BUT, if I FIND brushpiles with my electronics while pre-fishing I will GPS it and fish it. What I'm thinking is that if I were to go out and plant brushpiles, GPS the locations, and check them while pre-fishing, I've already eliminated 90% of the lake when I find the ones holding fish. Thats a huge advantage knowing that I won't have to study maps, drive around the lake for a day or two looking at points and dropoffs, or have to try to find the structure I'm looking for. What I'm saying is not that its necessarily cheating, just taking shortcuts instead of having confidence in my ability to read a depth finder or to read the shoreline to find my fish.

[ryanolson72]

here is my take.... I think that is perfectly ok to put out your own piles.  I have never done it myself but i will be.  I fish pretty hard core in a few circuits and there are lots of people doing this regurally.  Especially on deep water that has limited structure.....  I see nothing wrong with it.  There are all kinds of sunken boats, ice shantys, bridge pilings and other structures out there that people naturally find, people will find other peoples piles.  I have read lots of articles on how to do it and were to put them and how to fish them.  I see pros that put out brush piles 2 weeks b4 a tournment and sometimes they are on and sometimes they don't work.  My honest opinion is that as long as it is legal it is fair game.

[hunlee]

Hi there Hunlee hear!!!!!Hunlee not think puttin out brush in lake is bad for annyone and should do it want to!!!!!As far as tournament angler doin it why not ask Hunlee????GPS you brush pile and return and win a buck or two!!!!!!This is not cheating!!!!!!!Hunlee wonder ifin they is better brush than other???Christmas tree or two not hurt any but how about other kind brush??Oak or maple linb with lot of twig onit???Tie sement block on it and drag to the lake!!!!!!!Allway remember Hunlee has a fat belly but is still very good looking!!!!

hunlee