TheBeardedTay

I've been hearing the same. They essentially are not doing anything with the Southwoods Ramp and will wait until after the construction to decide what to do with the access. I've heard they plan on closing the water in that area as well, even to boaters/yaks/canoes...Not too happy if that is the case.

Most of the established cover had washed away unfortunately, but new cover jammed up should start holding bass soon. Took the yak out for a few steamy hours Sunday. Had a couple of decent nibbles up the river portion near the Nature Center boardwalk bridge. Caught a whopper of a bluegill (hahaha) on a white chatter, but no dice on keepers. Sweat my butt off literally, but a great day to be out. There are plenty of fish there, you're right Aggressor. The water is clearing up and I was able to spot a few big ones roaming around in some shallow water. Just gotta find where they're hiding after that flood!

Good to hear! Thanks for the report!

Well, that works too. I was really referencing the north side directly across from Southwoods Access.

Went out from 930-1130 today, caught a nice largemouth, 14 in, over a pound on a Chatterbait. Had another bite and missed hookset right after. It's been slim pickins for the bank fishers so far. They get spooked real easy at this point and hide from the pressured areas fairly well. If you're able to trek a bit of the greenways and fish some of the northside of the lake, you may have better luck this time of year. They seem to be moving to find beds from what I've noticed.

Has anyone been out this weekend?

The Z-Man TRD is amazing. The PB & J is also a good choice. I love how they get better action with every throw! I always tell people it's the bait that literally works for you.

Mmmmm dat Ned rig.

I hit Southwoods and that area over the weekend. Had a couple of nibbles, but nothing brought in. Water temp was still too chilly but it's getting close, I'm excited!

Wind was not helping ANYTHING today. Some choppy water, and tough cloud cover.

Definitely wasn't the bite I was hoping for. But just to be outside and not in a coat freezing my beard off while fishing in February? I'd take it to the bank. Just waiting for the steady upswing in temp so they start moving to bed and finding those creeks and hot spots.

I was at Southwoods access on Lake Springfield/James River this afternoon. Saw a few 14 inch LMB, and few small crappie. Had a couple of bites but a real tough crowd today. The wind wasn't too bad but I don't believe the water temp was elevated enough to charge em up. Good luck!

I'm hoping to get out this weekend when it's warmer... (me and everyone else I'm sure) Good luck to y'all, let me know if you get anything.

Here's the link to his latest from a week ago. Great video.

LOOKING AHEAD Terribly sorry for the absence, unfortunately life has a funny way of changing things on you, but it’s time to get back to the fishing. The weather seems to have a mind of its own, and it’s obviously wearing thin on patience. If you’re starting to get the fish itch like me, then one suggestion is to get organized, and get ready mentally. If anything, it gives you a wonderful excuse to wander (somewhat) aimlessly through the aisles of your favorite tackle house. To start the year, I like to lay out all of my stuff and organize it by type, size, application and what have you. Then I compile a list to see what is needed, and what can be added or eliminated based on my prior year of fishing. I plan, and shop and get what I think I’ll need to get going. I also try to set a goal of learning at least one new technique each year, and that plays an important factor in my purchases at the beginning of the season as well. Goals are the driving force in becoming a better angler. Whether you’d like to pursue a career as a professional angler, or just want to catch more fish on your weekend excursion, setting a goal is harmless, easy, and can aid in making you a better person as well. Your goal can be anything. Maybe you want to win a local tournament. Perhaps you need some practice using electronics. How about your drop shot? Yes, the simple, effective, silent killer. Or maybe you’d like to learn a baitcaster, and toss a frog over some cover to see the explosion? All in all, if you accomplish your goal, that’s another trick in your bag, and one more step to becoming a well-rounded angler. This year I plan to focus on my drop shot, and the jig. These are two things I do not have enough experience in. I’m not afraid to admit that, you’ve got to start somewhere, right? With the jig, my main obstacle will be slowing down and relying on feel and technique to get more bass. The drop shot is something I believe every angler should master, so master I shall. I’d also like to mention the upcoming BASSMASTER University at Bass Pro Shops here in Springfield, MO. There will be FREE seminars from some legendary and great anglers including Kevin Van Dam, Rick Clunn, Jimmy Houston, Wally Marshall, Edwin Evers, Tim Horton, Gary Parsons, and Ott Defoe. There are multiple seminars scheduled, and plenty of activities for the kids. What better way to spend some time with the family, learning more about something we all love? You don’t want to miss it. Thanks for reading, I hope to update more often. Don’t be a stranger, and happy casting. The Bearded Tay January 30, 2015