rps

+1 on the Victorinox Forschner. Cooks Illustrated rated it #1 over Wusthof, Global, and Henckels. Check out the combos of knives with sheathes here: http://bladetamer.com/html/combos.html

Took less than 15 minutes to pull. I leave my burnt ends mixed in to add flavor, but I try to remove the little remaining fat.

Put it in at 5:00 last night. Took it off at 7:00 this morning. Waiting while it rests and cools.

The hump back weighed more than the other but was a full inch shorter (18.5). It was also a bear to fillet.

Out early this morning and fished hard until 12:30. Two keeper walleye and two that were close enough I measured them but could not keep. 27 to 30 feet of water next to the drop off into the channel. Standard bottom bouncer with one of my crawler harnesses. Nap time. Forgot to add: Two good size spots attacked the rigs in that same depth range.

Etec is great in the less than 150 range. My little 75 hp is an uncommonly good power plant. Maybe the new version will bring that reliability to the larger engines.

Actually, I went out June 14 as well but had nothing worth reporting. I very nearly had nothing to say about today, but two things worth noting. First, I caught a bass on a top water. It was only the one and it wasn't very big, but I caught a bass on a top water! Second, from 7:30 to 2:00 I fished hard for walleye. Shallow (10 feet) to deep (25 feet), trolled crankbaits and worm harnesses. I caught one 19 inch walleye on a brushy ridge line on a flat near the channel in 19 feet of water. So, I wasn't skunked, but boy did I work hard for small return. Water temps 76 to 78. Basically clear near Big M and green with much debris above Beavertown. That gives you some idea of the ground I covered to scrounge up one keeper walleye. Better days are coming. Maybe. I hope.

cbass12, Bill always says what he sees and his eye is very good. None the less, plan to go out BEFORE first light and fish 5:45 until the idiots make you leave. 2 or 3 hours can make a trip and you deserve it.

Smoking trout, huh? Try a different direction. Saute onions in much olive oil, add lots of garlic, cherry tomatoes cut in half, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Flake the smoked trout and add to the party. As soon as the fish is hot, add cooked pasta (bow ties, fettuccine, wagon wheels) and a large spoon of sour cream and a large handful of parm. Use a cup of the pasta water to help blend all. Serve immediately. Yes. I am a foodie, too.

I see three or four Ned rods. I also see a couple of top water rods (just in cases) and maybe a spoon rod? Inquiring minds want to know.

Scott, you just give all this information away. Good man.

Sounds good!

Well done! I prefer fillets myself. How do you plan to serve them?

Officially, the top water bite on Table Rock does not end until the 4th of July. And almost every year that statement is true. One June, 2007 or so, I caught more than 20 bass over 4 pounds on top water. An older member, SKMO, was even deadlier. Officially, this year's top water bite has stunk. I have hope that the fall top water bite is awesome.

Eagle Rock is an ideal start point for times when the lake is confused. Roaring River stays pretty clear even when up and flowing, right at that point the lake starts being a real lake, but the river part is in easy reach, and several great places are minutes away.

First the skinny flowing water boats: Next, my baby:

Scott: You may think those sort of things , but never write them! The entire contingent of TU will descend on your head for trying to destroy the natural balance of the tail waters. XD On the other hand, a trophy walleye zone from cow patty flats upstream would be a killer idea. If you start it at Beaver bridge you will take too many of the meat-eaters spots away, so cow patty flats would be a great compromise.

yozuri x 3

Ned

QB, I do not net everything. Small fish I swing in. However, I never go near the fish with anything other than my boga grip and needle nose. Two trips to the emergency room for hooks I could not push through, plus two snip offs of through and throughs have finally taught me.

For Bull Shoals walleye with a family, contact Mike Worley, also a supporter of this forum. Walleye grow well in this lake, but require some specialized knowledge. Bill Babler's recommendation is excellent for this time of year. The area I fish is roughly 60 lake mile upstream from Indian Point. I would come down and pick you up but it would take me 2 hours to get there and longer to get back up here. Next year, make a point to visit Eureka Springs and stay over. Take the ghost tour at the Crescent Hotel, enjoy the spa, visit all the arts and crafts shops, and let me know you are coming. I can show you some things.

Good on you.

I wanted to join you. For a variety of reasons, it did not work out. I hope you caught more than one good fish.

Pleased for you. They never forget.