timr0123

Is it in August or July ?

I know you'll really love your new Phoenix. I rode in Russ Lane's new Phoenix at the Elite Series on Pickwick Lake back in April. It handled like a 30' cruiser but we were doing 75mph. It's as the deck space of a barge built on a Cigarette boat hull. When it comes time to replace my BassCat, I'll be looking real hard at a Phoenix also.

Seems the great flood has started. Beaver is now at 2200 elevation and rising!!!!!! Good by cruel world.

Captain Joe, The Accent jigs look good. What brand of hooks do they use?

The only bait I know of that is called Wobble head is the Chompers brand Wobble Head jig. I like them and the original version by Gene Larew, the Biffle Hardhead jig head. Great pitching jigs. http://www.basspro.com/Chompers-Wobble-Head-Football-Jig/product/10226942/-1814546

Thanks Snakem. Glad to hear it's open. I put in at Aunts Creek Tuesday and sure did miss the dock. Tim

Does anyone know if there are any ramps with usable courtesy docks? Thanks,Tim

I use a Blood Knot for line-to-line connections. It's easy to tie and I have not ever had one fail. I prefer a swivel connection when fishing with spinning tackle, wether using braid or not. I have never used the Spro brand but I'm sure they would work. A swivel will totally eliminate line twist on spinning tackle. Concerning cons of swivels, I can not think of any. Here's link to a great fishing knot resource I use. Good luck. http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

I've had great luck with Spire Wire's new Fluoro-Braid. It sinks faster than Suffix and has the same feel as 100% Florocarbon. I have switched to a medium power rod instead of medium heavy when fishing plastics and jigs due to the braid having zero stretch. I use it with a 15 to 20 pound florocarbon leader in ultra clear water and no leader in off color and stained water. I would also recommend using a small swivel to attach a leader. I prefer P-Line's line of swivels. They are smaller than traditional swivels but extremely strong.

Did they determine if there was a tornado or just straight line winds?

I agree with rps completely. If we do not have any heavy rains in the next two weeks, most areas will be okay. I would still be very cautious when running on plane in some areas, especially around the main lake bends. One cannot believe the amount of current that is in the main lake being the result of the amount of water being released through the dam. Debris is moving rather quickly in some areas but it will take a lot of time for it to settle or flow out. As of yesterday the dam area of the lake was still relatively clear in color and virtually no debris. The very upper most of the James and Finley were clearing up quickly. I crossed the Cape Fair bridge yesterday and did not see much debris. When I crossed the Shell Knob and Kimberling bridges Tuesday evening, there was some debris but not especially heavy. It is so strange to cross any of the bridges and not have to look down to see the water, especially on the Hwy 13 and 39 bridges.

Came across the Shell Knob Bridge Tuesday evening and the lake is just a mess. Lots of debris and reddish brown color as far as you can see.

We went down to the south end on the Landing today. The south half of BPS parking lot is closed and mostly under water. We parked 100 feet south of the marina and water was within 5 feet of the parking lot. We didn't venture down to the fountain, but it looked like all was well there at that time when we drove by it. All the houses on the north bank of Taneycomo by the 65 hwy bridge were halfway under water. Very sad sight. The big houses on the north side of Taney and across from the 165 hwy scenic overlook are starting to flood also.

We were down at the dam today and the water was up but glass smooth and not hardly a stray leaf on the water. Saw several boat out on the water as well as the Branson Belle. Went across the Hwy 13 bridge and saw lots of debris floating and slightly stained water. Went over the Shell Knob while tonights storm was coming through and it was chocolate milk and debris everywhere.

This is a very good idea. Nothing better than neighbors, or as in this case, anglers helping fellow anglers. Count me in to offer my assistance.

Is it open to anyone and if so, how much is the entry fee?

I'd fish both, but I'd start at Aunt's.

My guess 8.1 and from the Kings River arm, next to a lay down log, just off the bank, in a secret little pocket.....hmmmm

My sticker is on the back of my Optimax. It has been all the way to Falcon Lake Texas!!!! Unfortunately my motor cover hid it while trailering. I to have yet to see anyone else with a sticker.

Thanks to all the Vets, past and present. I'm a very proud Air Force parent. Our son is currently stationed at Kadena AFB,Okinawa,Japan.

Bill, The @#!%&^*#!!! CALLS. That's the major downfall of having the "Dream Job". I sincerly fill for you. Some people just don't think before acting. Gary, My only addition to Bill's list would be my longtime Table Rock standby, Gene Larew Giant Salt Craw in Plum. I've been using these since the late 80's.

I did have to take a nap around 4:30am. I tied up to a no wake buoy and slept about an hour.

Put in at Aunt's Creek Wednesday at 4:30pm and fished to 12:30pm Thursday. Was planning to fish till dark today but the darn wind killed me and the bite. I caught more short fish than I could count, seriously. I did pull the trifecta on keepers, one 16"Sm, one 16" Lm and one just barely 15" Spot. Smallie and Spot had been feeding on small crawdads. Mr. Lm didn't have anything in his mouth but by spinner bait. Caught a bucket full on a Missouri Craw Eagans jig with matching craw trailer till after 9:00. Threw a Midnight special spinner bait till after midnight. Lost all five of my favorite spinners. Two from grappy BPS Florocarbon, two I lost in the rocks and one was maybe a gar. I had just cut and re-tied on another rod with 15Lb P-line, first cast and a massive stick and boom, it was gone. Line end looked totally shredded. Bait weight made a huge difference. Spinner baits had to be 3/4 ounce single blade with a rattle and jigs had to be 1/2oz. I tried others with little luck. I did catch a few little spots on a medium diving white and ghost colored crank bait. I tossed a Yellow Magic before dark last night before dark with no takers.

There's a article in Bassmaster's this month about big flutter spoons. My Dad was a old school spoon fisherman. He said all game fish would hit a spoon. I realize now why, it's the flash and vibration. I think spoons have been around longer than spinner baits, buzz baits and the trusty old Rattle Trap.

I was on the lake Wednesday from 11:00am to dark. I put in at Viola. I fished from just up stream from there to Campbell's point area to almost Big M. Caught the majority of my fish on a Eagan's jigs and a few on a deep diving Sexy Shad crank bait off of main lake points. I didn't catch a lot but what I did were all quality fish. Largest was a 21" large mouth in a pocket on a bluff wall in the Campbell's area. Also had a pig of a spot too. It measured 18.5".