Pepe

Thank you, but I don't need someone to tie them. I made some for guys using them to catch smallmouth up north and just wondering if these, in different colors, might work here in colder water.

Does anyone use a jig like this - 1/4 oz bushy bucktail with Paca Chunk?

Thanks guys. I will try that

Cliff, who ran the tackle no liquor department at Country Fresh Market is opening a tackle store across the street in Bridgeport plaza, Shall Knob. Harder House bought Country Fresh and its rumored that they won't have a tackle section in that store anymore. The stuff in Jug n Plug looks ancient and Cliff is pretty well tuned in to what works best at TR. We wish him success.

We are planning to try our luck this weekend but may spend it cutting wood & moving floaters to the bank. I know folks like to treat all the ground up to the shoreline as their private property and keep it looking like their yard, but it seems it would be a good thing, overall to leave the grass grow and the driftwood in place for the critters - versus a month of smoking piles all around us.

We finally made it back after a long hiatus. We can now get to our dock but there is still so much debris in and around the area that getting out will be a hazard. We are right at the mouth of the Kings, across from Lost Island. The water is murky; not attractive for swimming, especially with all the crud in the water. That doesn't make the grandkids happy. The camp across the way is pulling kids around even though there are some barely submerged large logs still about. Hope God is watching over them. what is really a shame is the lack of fresh air. It smells like a forest fire with all the smoldering driftwood piles. I may have to put the boat on the trailer and find a new launch point. How is it elsewhere on the lake?

Darn, one more to try

Every year in April, usually during income-tax week, we have our extended family Bass fishing "tournament". It is the only competitive fishing event I ever participate in but everyone approaches it like the Classic. We had 22 boats this year and rented Lunker's Landing. We fished the 20th, 21st & 22nd enduring some very heavy rain at times. I am happy to report we 1.) Had a great time. 2.) caught a lot of fish. 3.) swore to the young guys that all the funny and outrageous old family stories were absolutely true. (Would fishermen exaggerate?) 4.) Won the event and the coveted trophy with almost 40 lbs. Nothing compared to the big boys but it was enough. I worked on an underspin bait this winter, tinkering with hooks, blade sizes, spacing, swivels, etc. The Smallies in particular really liked them when presented very slowly with a 3inch paddle tail.

Oh, Daryk, I am far from that. I'm just an old fool setting around the same fishing hole

Gentlemen, i have molds for the 3" and 5" GY grub and for the Kalin 3" and will be happy to make whatever colors you prefer. I'm struggling to get the store portion of the website working but check it out at http://whiteriverlures.com/ shoot me a message with what you are looking for.

I was having too much fun by that point - watching my 3 & 5 year old Grandsons. We played in the snow until we were all frozen. i had hoped she would call before weigh in if they had a good day - but, believe it or not, cell phone use is prohibited by tournament rules. Seems odd to me.

For years I have told people that the 3 things I am most afraid of are; 1.) My Wife. 2.) The IRS. 3.) Electricity Once again, I am reminded that I am married to a tough Wyoming Cowgirl. Under no circumstances was I going to be fishing today in the cold, rain, sleet & snow. But my wife, Lily, was up for it. A friend of ours needed a partner for the Joe Bass tournament out of Kimberling City today and was struggling to find someone willing. She just called on her way home and said they had a great time & took 3rd place with 19 lbs. She put 2 of the 5 in the well. They had a limit by 8:30 and culled several times. I am again reminded why she is #1 - on a lot more than the "most afraid of list"

For years I have told people that the 3 things I am most afraid of are; 1.) My Wife. 2.) The IRS. 3.) Electricity Once again, I am reminded that I am married to a tough Wyoming Cowgirl. Under no circumstances was I going to be fishing today in the cold, rain, sleet & snow. But my wife, Lily, was up for it. A friend of ours needed a partner for the Joe Bass tournament out of Kimberling City today and was struggling to find someone willing. She just called on her way home and said they had a great time & took 3rd place with 19 lbs. She put 2 of the 5 in the well. They had a limit by 8:30 and culled several times. I am again reminded why she is #1 - on a lot more than the "most afraid of list"

I made some baits to share but that kind of weather, for me at least, is for setting near the fire with a warm beverage. I won't be fishing unless that Canadian blast skips us.

Hello Gentelemen (& Donna ;), We don't expect to have the boat, our gear, or ourselves, ready to fish by Saturday but would love to come out and wish you all the best. It is great to be back home. Participating in this forum and getting ready to play at beautiful TRL again are some of the benefits of being back. We have had a winter full of adventures well south of the border; got to enjoy the company of old friends, and a beloved son we rarely see. We met and became fast friends with some like-minded folks, some of whom saved us from a substantial mechanical problem and who bravely stood their ground against some corrupt officials to prevent a Canadian doctor & his assistant from being severely taken advantage of. This world is full of truly amazing people that we have been blessed to know and some of them are on this forum. We only know many of y'all through this forum but look forward to at least putting some faces to names. I am reorganizing the shop but should have some time to make some baits to bring & inflict upon you. If you something particular you want, or any suggestions please let me know M. (Pepe) Knight

Pete Wenners has Motorguide version TM, whatever the wireless smart one is called, he is selling at a low price.

Feel better soon, QB. Those bass are waiting on you.

You have the right attitude, Sir. Congratulations on a great day.

Way to persevere. That time with family is irreplaceable.

Perfect

Great report. Thanks.

Only fished a few hours in the morning and again in late afternoon. Came in during the rain(s) and stayed close. Marked lots of suspended fish but couldn't get them interested. Worked topwater with some success but didn't pull any off vertical wood. All came dead shallow near small cover. No keepers.

At least 2 guys are having some good practice days. After a late call yesterday, I worked all day and got a package out to one, got another call this afternoon and will get that package out as early as possible for fedex. Probably wouldn't be right, pre-tournament, to say what they are excited about. We are working on the website but, for now, all the money is going to St Jude Children's Hospital. They treat very sick kids and never ask the parents to pay. We will add several other charity choices as the site comes up. The email is working now. whiteriverlures@gmail.com We plan to fish after those guys, and the weekend, are gone.

Thanks for the report and good pictures. Swimming squirrels and bass with poison ivy rash? Must be related to Halloween?

I don't really have any comment on a different recent topic where folks catch fish in ways I don't practice, but those posts serve to demonstrate the bass CAN be caught on any given day. I appreciate that folks here share, and I usually feel better reading those reports because it tells me that if we were willing to be more versatile we would catch more. If the goal is to catch fish, you enjoy the method you are utilizing, the company in the boat with you & the surroundings, AND are having success - I would submit that you may be having the perfect day. Shame on us, you could say, because we don't care much for certain methods and are generally willing to forego a better catch rate to fish the way we like. We are also often willing to get off the lake if it gets too crowded, or just stop fishing, rest and enjoy the wildlife on a beautiful uncrowded day. Like a lot of folks, I have had a career full of intense focus on success. We now consider our time on the lake as "smelling the roses", but we still want to catch good fish. As I told the kids I coached in baseball - we are here to have fun, but let's not forget how much fun it is to win.