FishnNut

I have two of the SI units and love them!

I normally wouldn't get involved, but in this instance I will. A friend and I went with Bill Babler about 2 weeks ago. The bite was tough (all reports for that day seemed to say the same), but Bill did get us on some nice fish and he worked his tail off to make our day. The last couple of hours he was riding the front deck like he was on a bucking bronco, due to the wind and waves. I'm sure all of the guides on this sight do a wonderful job and I'm not trying to play favorites. It's like somebody else said, "Fising is fishing and not catching." You take the good with the bad and there are certainly bad or hard days. However, Bill Babler did all that I could have asked and was very kind and patient. Thanks Bill, for doing a wonderful job!!!

Just wanted to thank Bill for a wonderful day. Bill worked very hard to put us on fish and took a beating on the TM with some rough water. I would highly recommend him for any fisherman that wants a fun and pleasant day! We'll do it again, Bill.

Well, I guess that it is up to each individual's personal feelings. 15 years ago I would keep a Bass now and then to eat. I never did understand those that "stocked" their freezers, but again, that is not my call. However, since 1999 I just haven't kept any. Seeing how TR went from such a great LM fishery to a large portion of the LM being killed put a different perspective on things. I for one am glad to see the LM population doing well and I love those days of catching 40 or more Bass of all species around the dam area or Baxter to Knob. I'd like to see it stay this way, but that's just my two cents worth.

Can you give me the directions to this place? I have been there, but it was several years ago. I went down hwy 38 to Hartville and then turned north on hwy 5. That is about all that I can remember. Thanks, Scott

The little lady wants to go do some cat fishing close to sunset and on into the night. I haven't done this in several years, but at one time had fair luck fishing down at Caip Fair launch ramp. Just like to set out some chairs and relax for several hours. I'm not sure how this would work since I haven't been to the ramp with the high water, but don't know where else to take her. Anybody got any better locations or ideas? We'd really appreciate the help as I'd like to see her catch a few. Thanks, Scott

Gary, he's kind of hard headed. Not sure where he got that from............................. He kept saying, "Live by the blade.....die by the blade.:

Took my boss and son fishing out of State Park around 1:00 pm and fished until dark. Two of us were using smoke colored twin tailed grubs with red flake (we tried single tailed grubs, but they didn't get the bites like the twin tailed grubs did. I, also tried the milky salt and pepper grub without much success.). We stayed about casting distance from the outside tree line and we found the best bite was to let the bait fall all the way to the bottom. We usually got our bites on the fall. If we didn't get bit on the fall we slowly reeled the gubs back just keeping the bait off of the bottom. After catching fish for about 3 hours, we finally convinced my son to drop his spinner bait and put on a grub. To his amazement, he started catching fish, too. We caught mostly spotted bass and the females that we caught were loaded with eggs. The half dozen or so Smallies that we caught had already spawned, but of course they were the larger fish. I'm sure that we may have been able to catch better quality fish farther away from shore, but my boss was having fun. So I didn't want to screw with success

I appreciate your response. Guess I won't cancel and give it a shot.

Don't feel bad, Gary. I got both barrels, too. If I had caught this post last night, I would have called you and told you what was open. Hope that you have a good day fishing, today!!! Scott

We have reserved a cabin at a resort for a week starting the 13th of June. I know that it is a long time from now, but the fact that the Corps is going to TRY to dump so much water from Table Rock is making me wonder what shape Bull Shoals will be in during our stay. Any help would be appreciated. High water doesn't bother me, but being very muddy wouldn't be exactly what I would be looking for during my vacation. If Bull Shoals will be in bad shape, we will likely reschedule and take our week in June for time on Table Rock and hit Bull Shoals in October. Thanks!!! Scott

I greatly appreciate your reports. At this time, the Corps probably has no idea what they are really going to do. It is very understandable!

Me too! That's my second home

My first suggestion would be to go to the top of this forum and make copies of the maps that the fine gentlemen have put on here. In particular, copy and print out the maps of the area that you plan on fishing. These maps have ares marked, by species, that will get you pointed in the right direction. Then just keep up with this sight and follow the advice that is given on here on a daily basis as to what is and isn't working. Most of the fish will be in a post spawn pattern and will be found around structure in the ares marked on the map. Beyond that, I'd highly recommend you hiring one of the great guides that call this site their home. You will be well pleased and well taken care of. GOOD LUCK!

Bill, I'm honestly not smart enough about the spawn to know how much this may be hurting our fish population, but if you are right (and I have every reason to believe that you are), I'd be more than happy to join in and petition MDC to consider putting it off limits. Admittedly, I'm not a tourney fisherman, but even if I was, I'd want what was best for our fishing future. I will catch bedding fish, but immediately release them and believe that this is the very best for them, unless you completely leave them alone (which would be the very best).JMHO