magicwormman

Great advice! I would also throw the ned and a dropshot. It won't cost you much if you have to break off. Most of the fish are deep right now, in 25 to 40 ft. of water. They are following the shad in the deeper water. The late afternoon bite has been the best for me. You might even catch one on topwater if they're busting shad.

In the olden days, they always dropped the lake about 10 feet. This always helped make room for the spring rains and aid Mr. Browning in building rock and brush piles. I think in the last few years, it's more about the need to generate electricity.

We've been catching a few fish from 30 to 40 ft. deep on ds and spoons. They seem fine as long as they are released immediately. You ALL know that I don't catch any picture fish, so mine are back in the water very quickly.

Check out this old post:

SB's will always catch a few fish on this pond if you wind them long enough. I think it's a good big fish bait at times, but it's never ALWAYS the best mouse trap. Only time and experience on the water will enable you to have confidence in a bait. This is the greatest fishing forum that I've ever seen, with some outstanding advice from MANY really good fisherman. The knowledge that they are willing to share is priceless!

It's hard to believe the derbys can draw as many boats as they do with so little payout. How many of you guys would play poker at my house if I cut the pot 20 to 30% every hand.

I agree with RPS, a 4 hour trip with Bill Babler would be your best bet. The Rock can be a challenge for the best of them. I would try dropshot, Ned rig, and topwater.

Welcome back Techo! Good advice! Don't forget the Ned Rig.............................ANYONE can catch fish on the Ned.

Very nice fish! Did you learn anything from that experience? How many times have you caught a nice fish while fixing a backlash or set your rod down for a period of time.

I think we should start a site where you swap secret baits. There are so many great ideas and baits in this world. As much info as we pass along on this site, why not do the same with baits? Maybe even swap a fishing trip to share baits and demonstrate. I swapped a dozen of my Magicworms to a restaurant owner in Beloit Wisconsin about 15 years ago for her special pancake recipe. I was moving to the Ozarks and really wanted her recipe. She would not sell it for any price, but I did hit a soft spot when I asked her if she had anyone who loved to Bass fish. Her son was a fishing addict and the rest is history. 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 eggs and 2 cups of buttermilk. I mix gently and cook on flat grille. I also love blueberries added when I first drop them in the skillet When you can't contribute, do to lack of fishing skills, there's always good food..

Good plan! I live on the James near pt. 13 and Verizon wins hands down.

Explain this..............................Viet Nam catfish taste delicious! I don't even like the taste of local catfish, I prefer Crappie, whitebass, and bluegill. Flat Creek, Ma's and the Filling Station ALL get their catfish from the same supplier (yes, it does come from Nam).

You would surely think the Cheesemaster would know how to say cheese. Nice fish!

This is the view behind our house. It's 200 ft. above the James, near pt. 13 1/2. I'm afraid the land near by is not suitable for cattle.

It's caused by global warming or the Russians!

So sorry to hear about Bill! I have know Bill for over 30 years and I haven't met a finer gentleman in my life. I also believe he was the best guide on Table Rock Lake. You never heard anyone who had a negative comment about Bill (Not to common these days). Our condolences and prayers to all his family and friends. We know that he will be truly missed.

I'm easy! I would buy one.

No wonder Champ loves you sooooo much! I hear on occasion that you even LET him outfish you.

This is exactly what are world needs today! Do for one that you can't do for all with zero expectations.

Totally AWESOME! I had a similar experience two years ago near Baxter, but most were just short. I think we caught 10 in 4 hours, with only one legal that we released. It was a hot July day and we caught them on spoons. Great pictures too! You are THE man!

The reason half are empty is the developers won't sell unless you buy a lot. If in fact dock owners own and maintain the buoys, why are they going to remove ALL private buoys by 2020?

I just sent a Email to Roy Blunt And Billy Long: I own a home and a dock on Table Rock Lake. I have read the 2017 Table Rock Lake shoreline management plan and am very concerned about a couple of items. I am not against growth and economic development, but I would like to know the number of empty boat slips on the lake. Many slips are sitting empty due to developers hoarding them for future lot sales. Everyone knows about the program to get boat titles and you can beat the system. I know in our area near point 13, over 50% are empty and not sold. I also feel the plan to eliminate all private dock buoys is absolutely insane. With the increase boat traffic, especially larger boats the last thing in the world we need is removal of the buoys. I understand the burden it is on the Highway patrol, to try to maintain them. I think the best solution would be to let the dock owners be responsible for all the buoys. Thank You for any help on these matters. Ken Spaanem

AMEN! Sometimes it's just hard to fix stupid!!!!

AMEN!

Not a bad weekend ! He is amazing!