m&m

Sounds like a wise daughter. Good luck. Mike

C4F, don't get down on yourself. Jig. You did your part. Jig. It was the fish that didn't do their part for you. Jig. Did I mention that big fish like a jig? Just sayin. IMO Mike

If I remember correctly last year's winner had a 6 lb bass and there were only 5 or 6 others over 5 lbs. much different year. Timing is a big help this year Mike

When I have a similar day I look up to the sky and say please take care of the person who is having a day worse than I am. Mike

Nice weights on the leader fish in the tourney. Mike

C4f, good luck mike

Hammer, thanks for the report and pictures. I've been waiting to see who was going to post a report on the c rig. I thought it was getting close. Mike

Quill, you really like those bottom bumpers. And this spring has been good to you on them. Nice SM. Thanks for the details. Mike

As my better half always reminds me, "it is not what you say but the way you say it." good luck to all fishing the derby this weekend and to all those planning a spring trip to TR this year. I look forward to reading your reports. Mike

WW, thanks. Water seems to be warming slowly but surely. Mike

WW, thanks for the information and pictures. Healthy looking bass for sure. Any idea on the WT in Linn Creek area? Mike

Ben, thanks for the report and am awaiting the 3rd metric. By the way, it sure looks like a big guy rather than a big girl in each of the photos but in 2016, who am I to judge. Nice fish. Mike

bigmo, way to go man. if it stabilizes you might have to put on a seat belt for those violent topwater strikes. Mike

Bo, you are one night time star on the water. Thank you for the information and pictures. Mike

Hammer, nice pictures. Thanks for the information. Mike

Bill, I tip my Ozark Anglers hat to you. Mike

Bigmo, thanks for the information. topwater action is about to bust loose I think. Mike

jbrant, nice fish. Sounds like a good day. Thanks for the information. Mike

I agree with Champ that being a guide is stressful and you are expected to have a successful day regardless of the variables. I've hired guides in the past and will do so again in the future but the success is not based upon the size or quantity of the fish caught. Rather I hire a guide to pick his brain about the particular lake, conditions, lures, seasons, etc of the lake. I hire them for their knowledge. I evaluate his knowledge based upon the guide practicing what he is telling me. I hired a guide in FL on Lake O a number of years ago and all he talked about was catching fish on 12" black worms. All we did all day was fish with large shiners under a balloon bobber. My advice is look upon a guide trip as a learning experience rather than a fishing trip. Ask all the questions you have about the lake. Take what you learn and put that into practice on your future fishing trips. The end result will be a great experience for both you and the guide. IMO Mike

Nice pictures of the twins. I agree it is difficult to do those 9+ hours of fishing. Mike

96champ, nice smallie. Mike

RPS, my son and I were fishing Saturday in Long Creek. He decided to tie on a big O. We talked for the next 30 minutes about it being the first square bill but nobody called it that. So now I'm waiting for the Natural Ike to make a comeback under a new name. Mike

Thanks,

Rat, thank you for the report. Saturday was one of those "just keep throwing the lure" days. I agree with Bill that timing is a key during this spring. When you catch one, keep working it because it could be good for the next hour or so. Mike

Bill, great information as usual. Thank you for sharing. This is what makes springtime fishing so much of an adventure. What worked yesterday may not work today so we all have to be flexible. Mike