m&m

Here is a question for all....does anyone know of any research that has been done to confirm that you catch more fish by using a smaller test lb leader instead of just tying the heavier line directly to the lure? I ask that because I would think that it is just one more opportunity (the additional knot) for a weak spot that can break. I see the heavy wires of the A-rig and think the fish must certainly see those wires. And yet many fish are still caught on the A-rig. The only times I use a leader is when I am fishing a weightless fluke and that is because i use a swivel to reduce line twist or when using a C-rig and that is so the lure floats above the weight. I'm not trying to hijack the topic but I was just wondering about leaders and their effectiveness. Mike

WW, nice jag of fish. YUM!!! Mike

Bo, thank you for the information and pictures. Another great report with a reminder for all of us that the fish are where they are and sometimes not where we think they should be. I agree that Quill and others provide valuable information about seeking different types of locations when trying to locate fish. Sounds like you and Dale adapted quite well. Mike

Champ, you and Donna know how to have a good time. The smile on her face says it all. Nice picture. She needs a hat that says "Jig heads by Dave" so that he can use it on his infomercial. Mike

Luckily you remembered to put in your drain plug!! Tomorrow has to be a better day. Mike

The Branson Tri-Lakes news ran an article on it last Saturday. I couldn't get a link to the article but it quoted scientists from the Mizzou who sampled the water and said it is an algae bloom but also floating sediment from the earlier rain and the recent wind. They also said when the sunlight hits it the algae will bloom and it may last until later this month. Mike

Darren, congratulations on your placement in the BBT. That was a long run to weigh in that fish! You seem to have a knack for catching them when it counts. Mike

abk, I agree about the topwater bite but this week there are some nice night time temps so I'm gonna tie on a couple Saturday and keep my fingers crossed. Mike

bo, gotta love that hair jig bite. a 30 lb fish in the dark must have been a heart thumping fun ride. Thanks for the information. Mike

big C, when are you coming down to TR? Mike

andy, thanks for your take on the weekend. I watched from our deck overlooking the dam area north of point 1 and let me say there was a lot of gas being burned by the number of boats we saw going into and away from Long Creek. Mike

Alex, nice smallies. From what I understand you and your dad were not alone regarding that big bite. Timing the weigh-in for your fish is real guess work. Mike

I've had some success around Indian Point and way up in Long Creek. What tourney are you fishing this weekend? Mike

BB, nice fish. I'm not sure if it is the picture angle of the lure, but I hang mine as straight as I can get it. I've been experimenting with a senko size floating worm on the wobble head to give it more action. I'm not sure if that will work but I am trying it out. Mike

MOSmallies, sounds like a pretty good day despite the cold. Thanks for the pictures. Mike

Sprint, congratulations. Mike

Kudos to everyone who made the 2 day derby successful and to all the fisherman who participated. TR is a great place to spend a couple of days chunking lures for sure. I am gonna try Cow Creek next weekend. I've never fished it but I'm trying to learn different large creeks this year. Mike

I'm sending you a PM mike

rps, nice day to get out on the water. Mike

Cheese, were you in Bull Creek? Mike

C4F, glad you had fun today and were able to weigh in a fish. Keep good notes and turn your two days into a learning experience. See you on the water. Mike

96Champ, nice healthy looking fish. Banks look gradual slopping than the 45 angle that has been the norm. Thanks for the information. Mike

Happy anniversary. Seeing you at the OAF tourney confirmed for me that you two are friends in addition to being spouses. My 47th is coming up April 18th and we were friends since grade school. Makes it kind of nice. Mike

Macsimus, pretty brave of you to be fishing in that area knowing all the boats fishing the derby were out there. Nice of you to share the experience of encountering gentlemen on the water. Good examples breed similar encounters in the future. I enjoy reading about the good ones. And thanks for the report. You were not the only one struggling yesterday. Mike

I think he understands. After all he selected a number of fishermen as his first disciples. Good luck today. I'll be watching the leaderboard Mike