wdberkley

4 Boats in our group fished Tuesday - Friday out of Kimberling City. Tuesday we stayed close - from Mill Creek to Schooner - caught em on a jig on some steeper banks with the boat in 25-35ft. Wednesday fished out of Baxter, caught em again on a jig. Had a good day, just not much size. Covered water from Black Oak up to Big Creek Thursday we fished from Hideaway to Aunts and back to Kimberling. It was a tough day for us, the jig bite slowed and we didn’t adjust. Started to figure some things out late to salvage a decent day on the water. Friday we found ‘em. Started the day in Indian Point, caught a few Jaws on points with the boat in 30+ feet, dragging a jig. Started chucking a JerkBait around submerged trees and spent the rest of the day catching 2-1/2 pounders with relative consistency. Lots of Smallmouth too, which is always a good time. Everyone had limits and culled all day, best 5 went just over 14lbs. Anyone fishing near Kimberling Oaks Resort, we dumped about 40lbs of Table Rock beauties off the dock last night. Grab a jerkbait and go get em. While our group only fishes The Rock once a year, if we’re lucky, we seem to get humbled one day then figure them out the next. The info on this forum is a huge resource for anyone coming down, and it’s appreciated.

On bluffs....

Funny...started the morning in Baxter and fished from Black Oak up to Big Creek. Pretty much the same thing for us, numbers but zero size. Our biggest fish today - between 4 boats - was 3.07. And it came off of the pattern we usually fish...

Leave a few swimmin' around without sore jaws, will ya William? We'll be down one month from today!

BB - Thanks - as always - for a great trip. Fishin', especially when it's tough, is a little bit more enjoyable when it's done in good company. There's a reason you've got repeat customers like us. Hats off. As far as fishing goes - it was a rough week. We really only had 2 good days from Saturday - Friday. And we covered water from Aunts to Big M. At least one boat in our group of 3 boats managed to find decent fish every day, but the biggest fish all week was 4lbs - tough to complain when the conditions were as they were, but still, we all know they're swimming around. Regardless of the outcome, we always have a great time on Table Rock. Thanks to everyone on this forum for sharing your awesome resources and infinite knowledge with us.

Champ, I hope you're right! I'll be part of a 6 man crew that's staying right in that very area from Saturday/Saturday. If you see a red Ranger 185vs, an old red Champ 201, or a white Triton TR-22 all with Illinois tags on 'em stop and say hello!

There's some big fish swimming in Taney. My personal best came out of bull creek in April 1997. 9.4 on the scale at the gas station in town.

Well said. Just vote for Bernie. He's going to tax ya 50%, but college, healthcare, and an ice cream sundae on your birthday at the local Tastee Freeze will all be free. Maybe we should unite and get him to add bass boats for all to his campaign platform...

Software in the office just flagged this forum for posting fishing porn. Good Lord... 2-1/2 weeks to go.....

There's no jig bite on them there bluffs....move along....

Had to share.... If you don't want to waste 25 minutes, FF to about 14 minutes and watch the last 10... (Unofficial) World Record Spotted Bass?

Happy xxTH birthday William, hope it's a good one. I'll be in touch sometime soon to discuss a trip the week of April 10th...

Two 9 pound Bass caught on Pre-Rap Wiggle Wart at same time! Man...these things sure do catch 'em!

Believe me Champ, I'd much rather fish shallow or flip - ALL DAY. But sometimes it just don't happen that way. When it does, look for a Red Ranger parked in the middle of no where or on a bluff in 20-30 FOW trying to dislodge another jig stuck in the darn rocks....

There's no arguing that Champ, but given the context of the OP, it's a valid point. I've only fished in the Knob a handful of times during our annual spring trip, and never had a problem catching fish there - shallow or deep. That being said, the greater point about the bank comment is that too many folks get locked in beating the bank when in reality (given conditions, etc) they've got their boat parked on the fish and need to back off. In all the trips I've spent with my old man on Bablers boat that's the one thing that's stuck with me no matter were I'm fishing - don't get locked in, adapt to the fish. That's all I was sayin' ?

Wise old fella once told me that on Table Rock, the banks are only there to hold the water in....

If anyone's going to share info, it'll be Babler. Just keep in mind there's a good chance he was parked 200 yards off a point in 90 FOW thowing whatever it is over some tree tops no one knows about....

The Boat Ramp can be more entertaining than fishing some days. I've watched a fella in a brand new BMW X5 spin his tires right down the ramp trying to pull out a big ole' Sea Ray and finally get 'er to stop sliding when the back seat was under water. Watched a fella standing at the bow of a 30 footer tell the driver not to put her in reverse that he would step off and push the boat off the dock, only to have the driver go full reverse thrust just as the guy stepped off the bow - right into thin air only to end up under water. But the best was the couple fellas trying to launch their brand new Tracker in front of 50 guys waiting a pre-tournament meeting. First they forgot the unstrap one side on the back, dunked 'er in, threw the Merc in reverse, only to have the nose and one side come loose, but still be buttoned up on one side. Took em a while to get that tin can back on the trailer, and when they did, they winched 'er on. Got it out, unstrapped the back, backed it back in, and tried to back off again - only to realize the front was still hooked up. Finally got it off the trailer, only to load it back up shortly there after - to put the PLUG IN. But like has been said already - its funny to watch, until you realize these folks are going to be at the helm of a watercraft while you're out trying to fish.

Happy Belated Mr Babler!

Like someone said - maybe the Rangers built up to this point will become like Pre Rapala Wiggle Warts - worth 10x more because they were that much better....

http://wired2fish.scout.com/story/1491046-bass-pro-buys-ranger-triton-and-stratos?s=537 Bass Pro Group has acquired Fish Holdings LLC makers of Ranger Boats, Triton Boats and Stratos Boats. Here is the full release from the Bass Pro Group: Bass Pro Group announced today an agreement to acquire Fishing Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of fishing boats that include Ranger Boats and the Stratos and Triton boat brands from Platinum Equity. The agreement combines popular fishing boat brands that are recognized internationally. It also creates another connection between two industry leaders, Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood, who are dedicated fishermen, conservationists and entrepreneurs. Years ago the iconic outdoorsmen both began fishing on the White River and White River Chain of Lakes in the Ozarks and even fished together in the first National BASS Tournaments. “This partnership brings added long-term stability for both companies and for the dealer networks that provide customers with quality boats at exceptional values,” said Morris, who also is founder/CEO of Tracker Marine Group. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Forrest Wood many years, and I deeply respect him and his family that founded and built a solid performing business with excellent products.” Morris added that: “It’s also important that our companies share comparable cultures and values and are dedicated to manufacturing quality products in the USA.” Following the closing of the transaction, Fishing Holdings will continue operating independently under its existing management at its headquarters in Flippin, Ark., located a two-hour drive from Bass Pro Shops headquarters in Springfield. “We are impressed with the company’s leadership team and performance and look forward to welcoming them to the Bass Pro Shops family,” said Morris. “We are fortunate to partner with Bass Pro Group, which understands the industry and our brands,” said Fishing Holdings President Randy Hopper. “This new alliance will provide synergies that will strengthen our independent dealer base and ensure our continued focus on fishing.” Having grown the business since its origins, Wood also praised the transaction. “I’m excited for Ranger and the team at Fishing Holdings,” he said. “Johnny’s organization is deeply rooted in fishing and dedicated to conservation. He’s made a huge contribution to our sport, and I believe this is a real opportunity to better serve so many dealers and loyal customers around the country.” Both Morris and Wood have for many years generously donated their time and financial resources to support conservation efforts that help ensure a future for fishing by future generations. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the transaction were not publicly disclosed.

Speaking from experience - NEVER, EVER, assume that gas is available off season. It's not fun to find out the hard way. Just because it's marked on a map, or you filled up there last week, it doesn't mean the place will be open when you need it the most. Phone first, or better yet, if it's an option, don't leave the dock without more than enough petro to get you through the day.

What are you doing slingin' around such a big ole' jig? Hahaha. Good to hear you put something together - especially THAT - sounds like a brutal day.

Thanks for the the info William, much appreciated as always. Tryin' to pigeon hole us flatlanders as jig fishermen huh...hahahaha. If Sr has his druthers he'd throw that god awful jerk bait all week...I just don't have the patience for it. I'll throw a Wart like a madman if it's workin'. Been known to throw a tube (even if it ain't gettin' bit) and a topwater now and then too. That being said, don't try and order any 1/2oz or 3/4oz jigs from Tackle Warehouse in early April, I'm sure our crew will clean 'em out. Pla-Port is in a good location, can be to the Kings or back up to Big Creek in a relatively short run, and we've done ok in the past in/around both spots. I've considered Big Creek Resort, just to have a more central location between the Kings and Big Indian - and you were spot on, we've boated a fish or two in front of Indian Hills. Sr & I would stay at Indian Hills in a heartbeat, but I'm not too sure about the rest of our gang - the price tag there would make a huge dent in their allocated funds for jigs/beer/whiskey for the trip. I'll check out Harman Hollow & Quail Cove too. I've got a little time to put the finishing touches on this little excursion. Thanks again!

I typically ask what part of the lake to stay in for our spring trips, and then just go back to where we've been the last few years anyways. We've stayed up Aunts Creek and down in Long Creek, this year I'm going to heed the advice of the seasoned vets and head toward Baxter/Shell Knob. That being said, I'm looking for resort/rental house recommendations. Need lodging for 4-6 guys with 2-3 boats. We'll fish for 10-12 hours a day so the place doesn't have to be luxurious, as long as it's got beds, a grill, ice, and a fridge, we're fine. 7 days - Saturday to Saturday, the last week of April. Any pointers on where to stay would be greatly appreciated fellas.