Bushbeater

To the best of my knowledge the Power Drive is incompatible with a foot pedal. You have to use the FOB. For me it can be a pain, you have to take a hand off the rod to make any course corrections or speed changes. I mostly fish LOZ and maneuvering around docks is difficult. When open water fishing it's great, my spot lock and directional tracking work plenty well. The other consideration is deploying a Power drive. You have to kneel down and grab it with 2 hands to bring it up, and if you have a transducer on it the cable is constantly in the way. I don't feel this was Minn Kota's best effort although the price is good.

We fished a bit Sunday on middle Niangua, quite a few small bass on jerks and small shad type cranks. Best bass was about 3# off a shallow rocky point which also yielded us dinner this pretty 22" Walleye.

Another accident yesterday in Georgia. One dead one missing. http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/cherokee-county/2-people-missing-after-2-boats-collide-on-allatoona-lake/490301163

All right, we've determined we don't like snakes, volcanos, wasps, hornets, spiders and mosquitos. Not to mention the otters in another forum. Has anyone tried Crawdad trapping in LOZ?

A interesting trespassing story of floaters and waders rights is on The Lone Star Chronicles. Sounds as if Texas has the same issues we do.http://lonestarchronicles.com/a-tale-of-trespassing/

Sorry, No pics but my Uncle had one mounted 6 pounds plus which came from Clearwater below the dam. Caught in the early 60s.My personal best is from middle Meramac at 18"

I've seen the catches of huge craws from Table Rock but are there really enough large craws in LOZ to make it worthwhile to set traps?

NRO seems to be the only outfitter somewhat open. We decided to postpone until a 2 or 3 day trip can be arranged.

I have an urge to try to float tomorrow, does anyone know if any rentals are available this time of the year and if so who is recommended? Any special regs. on the Niangua?

I plan on attending what will be my 2nd time and first in several years. Need to meet some OAF members. I'm all for the after meeting meeting.

It just occurred to me we're discussing low water levels and forgot last Christmas. Here are a few pics to remind us how fortunate we really are. These are dated 12-28-2015

When we first got our place and I didn't know the drawdown schedule I got caught with my boat on the lift and couldn't get it off. My son and I were entered in the Carpenters Tourny and had to have the boat. We ended up unbolting the lift and floating it to deeper water, then using a Jet Ski pulled the boat off and reinstalled the lift. A good days work for 3 men. Ever since I am very cautious about winter drawdown and getting everything ready. I really need to move the dock out another 20' and get a low water lift.

I had to take my boat off the dock today because the lake is getting low enough I won't be able to later. The boat lift hits bottom before it's low enough to launch. From now to about May I have to trailer the boat to a ramp.Did fish about 3 hours and caught around 8 bass in the 12 to 14 inch range. Most came on a tube with one on a jerkbait. It was a beautiful day for winter fishing and I doubt we have many more like today for quite awhile.

Anyone have any thoughts on the Military ECWCS clothing. It seems to be somewhat difficult to find in the proper sizes but I've heard it is hard to beat.

Here is a view looking at the mouth of Ha Ha Tonka Cove. About 1 1/2" of ice on the channel but the Spring Cove is ice free. Just no way to get there by boat.

Caught a Crappie yesterday with a black stripe from it's nose to dorsal fin. Thought someone had painted it on till I found this article. First I ever heard of such a thing. http://www.crappie101.com/crappie-forums/black-nose-crappie

Awesome fish, but you know your sons will get the best of you someday.

Here's a few we've caught in the last few weeks. Sorry I can't get the pictures turned.

Reminds me of the story about the wife placing panties in the tackle box to see if they are noticed.

15 miles up the Niangua and it was busy today. had a whole flock of cigar boats and a few 30' plus cabin cruisers b4 noon.

We had an interesting evening Sunday. I landed a decent Hybrid so I called my son to get in on the action. His wife hooked and landed this behemoth while trolling a crankbait on a spinning rod with 12# line. The battle was epic and lasted at least a half hour. It was actually the first fish she ever caught.

I'm jealous, Greasy won't fish with me any more, all he wants to do is golf.

We were hiking the trail from the south rim of the Grand Canyon to Phantom Ranch, loaded with gear and complaining of how difficult it was when 2 young men come down the trail with a wheelbarrow filled with ice and a full size keg. I'm fairly sure the keg and wheelbarrow are still at the bottom of the canyon.

My first "fast" boat was a 1988 Tracker Pro 17 bought new. Just finally sold it this summer. We ran that boat everywhere, including LOZ in the summer and the Mississippi from the Meramec area to Clarksville. Never had any issues. You will love it.