Tearin Up Topwater

because this might happen.....

Yes. On a swimbait last fall.

Good fish do exist at Busch. I used to be a non-believer too.

Time for frog fishing the weeds for swamp donkeys like this. I might never put the topwater frog down all summer!

That's why we fish. Awesome

for ponds, ummm Spro Frogs or scum frogs.. Hello? probably the most versatile lure(besides texas-rigged worm) if we are talking about a moss-filled pond in MO/IL for warm-water, mean, hungry bass, like most of them in ponds around here.

Awesome!

Fly fishing can be seen as way more effecient. Can you pick up a plastic worm or crankbait and put it in the exact same strike zone as fast as you can for a fly? Doubt it.

Wow, that KMOV article sure is bias.

Aren't there "quiet" stretches of LOTO? Places the ski-jets and boat-jerks don't normally go?

Lake STL too. Last year one was caught by a fisherwoman. I wonder what bait she used?

I've had those days many times, that's why I brought up the subject. So I agree with this. It's good to know what the weather/barometer is doing at that time and see how wildlife, hatch, baitfish, and sportfish react to the current conditions. And to try and guess how they will react to future conditions only keeps you ahead of the game and can potentially make you a better fisherman. To be in tune with nature. It's fun and fun to talk about. BTW, the Debbie Downer comment was awesome. I feel the same way about this FISHING forum.

Top water is my preferred method and the most exciting way to fish for me. Bottom bouncing, usually, 9 times out of 10 is more productive.

Well, fronts didn't mean much this past Saturday. It was more a matter of figuring out what the fish were doing. When the hot sun went down the bass went on the prowl, to ambush bluegill in a couple spots where they gather. I was able to suspend a lizard just above they weeds if it dropped right infront of them they'd nail it! Here's a few

Betts are about the best made and most readily available. I like the small and larger(bass) bug they make with the black and yellow bee pattern. They really just don't make popping bugs like they used to. Drew is so right, I recently lost a horse on a small panfish bug. The hook was just too small for that brut. It had to be around 4lbs the way my rod was bent over. It had to be the loudest "kerplunk" sucking sound and that could only mean a huge bucketmouth....I can still hear it haunting me......darn.

I agree, the Fall pattern is the most productive. And you're right, presentation is probably way more important. Good stuff.

Looking for your guys thoughts on how these crazy summer cold fronts we've been having in the STL area are affecting the fishing. Looking to get out for some small lake bass fishing this weekend. Last week it seemed like the fishing was good before the front and as it stalled over the area, but then, when it cleared the fish just turned off. This was last Friday. This morning and afternoon with cloud cover and the approaching rain later today seems like it could be very good. But I worry about the fishing not being so hot tomorrow after the front has come through. I know anytime you can get out is the best time but based on the weather; when do you think the best time is? - Before the front - During the front - After the front My experience has normally been right before the front comes in the fish go crazy. After it goes through they shut down.

Nice Avatar, Smalliebigs. And have you guys ever wondered what Party Cove looks like at the bottom? I guess that's why you always see that huge dredge-boat on The Lake. Disgusting.

What really bothers me is when I see a old worm container left on the bank. 1) poor worms, to die such a horrible death smothering and melting in the heat of the sun. 2) The littering was done by a "fisherman" - any real sportsman should know better. 3) Styrofoam is the worst trash - it will be there forever unless someone like myself pick it up. Good going, guys. The only good thing is that it tells me where the over-fished spots are.

Yeah, all the bass I get from that area are 12-14 inches. Beautiful though.

Betts Bee Pop - poppin' bugs is all you need. Bumblebee color works best. Will catch both bass and bream. Good luck http://www.basspro.com/Betts-Bee-Pop-Popper-Assortment/product/88878/

I hear the white bass are really biting on the Little Niangua River.....oh sorry...fishing.

I've also found that at midday bass are easier to find. Holding tight to cover, in shade to get out of the sun. Makes sense.

Lower light levels means your lure is more likely to fool the larger fish - so that supports better luck at dawn/ dusk. But my experience has been 10am, for some reason, when my most memorable fish have struck. As far as action, dusk or that last hour of sunlight is hard to beat. Especially, farm ponds when the place is just jumping and topwater is at it's best.