Sore Thumbs

Water had a little stain to it also. In clear water conditions I believe they would have went a little lighter on line size. That being said Brandon Card was throwing 8lb green flouro on his jerkbaits. Anything less than 10lb makes me nervous.

Guys I have been really impressed with those 3xd by Strike King. Dive a little deeper than a wart and have very similar single ball low end rattle to them. Good luck finding the Olive color or Green Tomato colors. Hard to find.

Get a room. Lol

Tommy Biffle was using same basic technique when he won at Ft.Gibson.

Yes. They love the Vintage Wiggle Warts. Both guys used them. Even an old Wee-R in craw pattern. Roy told me that the last time he was at Bull Shoals that someone stole about 100 old wiggle warts out of his boat. Yikes.

Ok guys. It's over so I can divulge some more info. First day Roy ran all the way to Roaring River arm. I timed it from State Park Marina to 3rd bend in Roaring River took 41min and 37 sec. That Triton with a Merc Pro XS was passing a lot of boats along the way. I have to say I'm truly impressed with the new Triton. The deck was huge and it rode fantastic. As for the fishing. Roy showed me tons of suspended fish on his graph. They would not bite. (A-rig comes into play here) He did manage to hook into a 5lb carp. It was quite comical. He thought he had a big ole LM. He did catch several fish in there but no keeps. Moved out to that first bank on the left coming into RR. It starts out deep vertical and transitions to 45 degree with tons of cover. He caught several there with a jig. Let me tell you guys. These boys have quick instincts and have hook sets that are extremly fast and powerful. Went to 86 bridge by Eagle Rock he caught a couple there. Lost a rainbow trout at the boat on a wiggle wart. Said trout was about 16-17 inches. Roy did not catch a keeper until after the rain came. After the rain he moved to Owl Creek and started catching them. 45 degree stuff with a WW. it was like clock work the rest of the day. He worked his way back stopping in the White river. Spots were coming off the bank and LM would come off lay downs. If there was a good size lay down it was gauranteed to hold a LM. Fun day and Roy is a class act. Day 2 with Brandon Card was a little different due to windy cold conditions. We were on the White River about mid way I guess.(Bill saw us. He might be able to pinpoint.) Card couldn't buy a crankbait bite early. Everything he caught was on a main channel point on numerous jerkbaits. He was clobbering them guys. He just couldn't get the big bite. Later in the day the crankbait bite came on. He caught about 40 fish. Another great guy. Things I learned. Im not meticulous enough,not patient enough and I'm getting too caught up in what I think works and what actually works. Before I thought you had to only use certain jerkbaits to catch them. Not true guys. These guys were wacking them on anything from megabass to a Rogue and everything in between. I had a great time and learned a bunch. I really think what I observed is going to make me a much better fisherman. I highly recommend this experience to all.

Some pics.

I agree Alex. I learned a lot in my 2 days on the water with these guys. I learned mostly to be better prepared and take the extra time to make sure I work areas more thoroughly than I have. I drew Bradley Roy and Brandon Card. Both young were young fellas. They were great guys and extremely professional. Very forthcoming with knowledge and tips to help.

Never been in that area. Was that north or south of the kings? Where is closest public launch etc? How's your shoulder Bill? I saw you chuncking that A-rig. Lol

Bill is your Phoenix white/red/black? If so were you wearing a white hat? If that was you I saw you yesterday. Not sure what area. Hoping you could tell me. I was riding in the Suzuki boat.

Something you guys are not mentioning is the fact that these guys fish all over the country. Of course there are local guys that could kick their butt. It's the only lake they fish. Now take that local stud and put him in Florida. See how he does. These guys have a points system for a reason. It's about who is best over all events. As for whether these guys are athletes or not. I have read where some of these guys burn as much energy as someone running a marathon. The two guys I marshaled casted constantly. As for whether these guys are good or not. There is no question about it. They have to qualify to be an Elite pro. If they don't make top 60 at the end of the year they are out. It's not like the FLW where you just pay your money and fish. These guys are no different than everyone else. There are some good and some bad.

After watching today it made me feel a little better. These guys were fishing a lot of the same stuff I do. They are just much more precise and meticulous. Roy retied his baits at least 20 times today. He did fish stuff that was a little less obvious to someone like me. Might not look as good to the eye but when he fished those spots they were just like the obvious stuff just under the surface. Learned a lot today.

I know some good sacks came out of the kings today. Talked to a Marshal who was there today.

Thanks Bill

Rode with Bradley Roy today. Caught about 35 fish with 10-11 keepers. Ended up with 11.05 lbs.

Nice job man. Someone will love that rig.

Good luck. Spending time with your son makes you a winner already. Everything else is gravy.

Excuse my french but why the hell am I paying $30 a year for a pass? Sounds like I can go for free.

I saw you Alex. Who did you draw tomorrow? I will try to say hi.

I'd say they were hitting the crankbait. Lol

Ike,Howell and Marshal meeting.

Some pics.

Had a great time at the meeting. I drew Bradley Roy for tomorrow. Nice guy. Met several pros. They were all extremely approachable and nice. Can't wait til tomorrow morning.

Might check out companies that do boats specifically. Might get a little longer term that way.

Big Royals and Chiefs fan too. It's been a tough life for me as far as being a fan goes.