Darron Cooper

Definitely HIRE A GUIDE!!! I have fished with Bill Babler 3 times over the past 3 years and learned something each time. Best to go out at different times (take one trip pre spawn and the next post spawn or fall, etc) so you can learn different patterns. One time I fished with Bill and only caught a few b/c it was a tough day (sunny and slick) but I learned techniques that allowed me to catch fish later. About everything i do now i learned from a quide. Table rock is to big to just go out and start throwing lures. I plan on taking several more trips with Bill. Also, this board is invaluable. I was struggling 2 weeks ago to find a pattern and read Bill's report. Guess what? Went out the next morning a threw a split shot rigged fish doctor and caught a few smallmouth. My 10 year old son caught a nice 18 inch smallie. For us "weekend warriors" its tough to catch fish. When I retire it may it will hopefully be different. Its just tough to start from scratch on such a big lake when you only get out a few days a month.

Just bought 2 HDS 7's in the spring. Havent used them much. I need to go out with a guide and learn how to use them. I spent close to 3 grand for both units and the downscan which is mounted off the back of the boat. Definitely better than the basic units I had on my 05 basscat cougar that came stock. I am still playing with them and I havent fished much since june. getting ready to crank it up this coming weekend. I bought mine from bass pro and they were really helpful however their service dept couldnt get them installed quick enough. I had Fred at Ulrich marine install everything. He can sell them as well for the same price as BPS. I know if I ever have any problems he can get me in quick and fix it. Im not sure I can say the same for BPS. Hopefully, by next spring I will be able to use them effectively. DArron

When I fished with Bill we used a 3/8 jig head and he pulled the tube over the head of the jig so you couldnt see any of the jighead. Just worked it on the bottom with reg hook (not weedless). We did thrown the centipede fish doctors with a split shot rig (carolina). I dont think we ever got hung up so I wouldnt go weedless.

Bill is right on with his report. We had a blast fishing. Very consistent with never more than a few minutes without a fish. Once we picked up my son, Bill was kind enough to let him reel in every fish he hooked (and I did the same) so a few fish were lost during the "hand off" to my son. We could have caught them all day long. My son had a blast and I learned a lot that will help me catch fish for some time now. Thanks to Bill for the very worthwhile trip. I went back out Saturday morning with good intentions however the wind blew me around so bad I didnt stay out long. Darron

Anybody know of anywhere to catch cats this time of the year on the lake? My 9 year old son has been reading all about winter catfishing and wants to go this weekend. Most of the articles say catfish "school" in deep holes off the main channnels. Like everything you have to find the holes to catch fish. I normally fish Indian point area and it seems there arent many catfish that way. I though about fishing river arms this weekend for whatever is biting. Any advice is appreciated. Darron

Guys as always thanks for the excellent advice. I will probably take at least one guide trip in early spring and make decisions after that point. Sounds like I need to spend the money which is fine. I hate buying something and wishing I had spent more. It always cost more later.

Guys I am looking to upgrade my sonar equipment. I have a 05 Bass CAt cougar FTD with basic Lowrance on dash GPS and unit on front of boat. They arent much use to me. I an no expert and have a lot to learn with sonar. IT seems like you need two units, one on dash and one in the front. I dont mind spending the money as it seems I am looking at minimum of $600 for on dash unit with mapping, gps ,etc and $500 or so for one up front. I have been looking at Lowrance HDS units. The guys at Bass Pro seem pretty helpful. I will probably take a few guided trips this spring and learn a little more on how to use then for drop shotting, locating structure, etc. I cant see my buying a $2000 unit however I dont want to buy something and wish I had bought better. I have never really relied on electronics and any advice would be appreciated. How much of a role do they play in catching fish? Thanks, Darron

Any one know any areas to catch catfish. I am on Indian Point and have only bass fished . I have a 8 year old who is fascinated with catching catfish(from private ponds) and wants to fish the lake. I saw on some map that there were catfish over by river rock marina. Any advice would be appreciated. I have bass boat and get around the lake.

Guys I am new on the forum. I am looking for crappie also. I fish the indian point area. I have heard there are no crappie there and you had to go down to Long Creek and Cricket Creek. I went to cricket creek marina 3 weeks ago and they said the season was over but they had caught many nice crappie up to 2 lbs. I fish beaver with a crappie guide buddy and always catch fish around structure. His motto is if there is structure there are crappie. He sinks a lot of brush, baits docks,etc. so he has placed to hold fish. I would imagine now the crappie are 20+ foot deep. Anybody catch them in Indian Point area? If so how? Minnows around docks, jigs? I have heard so much conflicting info and never heard from anyone who actually caught crappie in the area. Can you sink stuff on Table Rock? Thanks.

I have stayed at stillwaters 10 times or so and always been pleased. If you have kids there are great swimming pools. There is also Big Cedar Lodge and Chateau on the Lake, however, they are much more expensive.