Brennan

I fished a 30-40 boat team circuit on Truman this year with my 16 year old son. We did a lot of donating. We also fished the last 3 big bass bash tournaments on LOZ. Plenty of donations there as well. But, my son weighed a 4 1/2 pound fish and won a few hundred bucks. Priceless. I would estimate that 4 1/2 pound fish cost me at least 5 grand this year. I’d pay double that. For us, it’s not about the money at all. It’s about spending hours in a boat with my boy. There is an element of excitement and competition, learning how to lose, working together to come up with a plan, and……me teaching my son a little about fishing and a lot about life. I get that the lakes are getting really busy on the weekends. If I lived on the lake I’m sure it would drive me crazy. We are respectful of no wake zones and other fishermen. My boat has more than two speeds and I know and follow the rules on the water. There are a few different types when it comes to tournament fishermen. Haha, we are respectful donators. It’s how I spend my discretionary funds. We buy tackle from local shops, eat at restaurants, stay in hotels, shop at the grocery store and buy gas. I’ll admit, I do feel a little bit guilty when I read through some of the comments about tournament fishing. I appreciate the message and we do our best to enjoy our hobby without getting in anyone’s way. My favorite time on the water is practicing with my son on a random Wednesday morning. Quiet, peaceful……but with an element of anticipation and excitement for an upcoming event. I really enjoy this forum. I think it’s really important to listen to everyone’s point of view, and I do. I just wish I had more to offer as far as fishing advice. All I can tell you right now……is that Truman is REALLY fishing tough. We need cooler weather. Thanks to everyone, Tim

Fished a few hours today, 830-1130, and caught 8-10 14inch spots swimming a 2.8 inch keitech through timbered points. went up shallow to get un-snagged and spooked a big largemouth swimming in maybe 2 feet of water. That made me throw a vision 110 up shallow on wind blown banks…..but I couldn’t get the big bite like yesterday. I was looking for wind, but eventually found too much of it and went in early.

Fished yesterday morning early. Put in at Big M to flat calm water. Struggle bus. Tried to force the jerkbait on them with very little action. Ran down lake looking for wind. After a few fruitless stops, I said the heck with it and ran up way up the Kings……I’m used to Truman lake so I’m more comfortable when I can’t see my jerkbait down 15 feet. Caught this one in about 2 feet of water just inside a bluff end point. Megabass jr. +1 in TR shad. I estimate somewhere in the 5 1/2 pound range. Had a few other fish on windy points but not much to speak of. Threw a RK crawler, Wiggle wart, Megabass z3, and even an old crawdad deep wee R on windy rock banks but couldn’t ever get a bite. Going out today with more of an open mind….and a few spinning rods! good luck.

I have the Power Pole Charge, and that thing is awesome! I’ve called them a couple times with questions and they’ve been very helpful. Seems like a great company. I’ve had a similar experience with Garmin. Customer service goes a long way with me.

Garmin customer service is great!

My previous boat I had the batteries plus x2. It did a great job (2d sonor x2, no livescope)……until…..it quit taking a charge 2years in. It was replaced over the counter no questions asked. The second x2 performed flawlessly. Now I have a new BassCat Puma. AGM 31 pro guide starting and 3 12v lithium pro guide 75ah. And a power pole charge. Wow! Amazing to have all your batteries full or almost full when you get off the water. Comes at a steep price tag though. I used to run 3 of the 31 sized Sam’s club Duracell AGM batteries and they never gave me a problem…..except for weighing half a ton.

CargoLargo. Independence Missouri. Overstock stuff, Amazon returns, etc…. They run daily specials and offer additional discounts on different departments. Their starting price is usually 40-50% of retail. I’ve gotten all kinds of stuff there for very cheap…..vacuum cleaner, Bluetooth speakers, computer equipment, cleaning supplies, Yeti cooler and tumblers, clothes, lots of junk fishing equipment ……….I’m waiting on buying a pellet grill for a friend of mine. It retails for 899. Currently marked 529 (but I’m holding out for a 20% off day). One day there was just a big bin of Falcon Rods….crazy. Right place at the right time.

I found these rods in a sort-of clearance….or surplus type store. You never know what might be there. Clothes, kitchen supplies, electronics, anything and everything. The other day I went in and there was a big collection of Falcon and Lews rods. My jaw about hit the floor. These are all brand new with tags. I also picked up an “HD” 7’ Med moderate casting rod that I think will be a blast for throwing small flat sides or even warts. Less than 40 bucks…..couldn’t pass it up. BuCoo “Trap Caster” for 50 dollars. And the expert Jerkbait rod…..it is one of my “Holy Grail” rods. Been wanting one for years. Last month I rolled the dice on some 13 Fishing baitcasters for “I don’t even want to say how much.” Haha. Maybe they’re junk….but maybe not…..retail for 159.99 I find myself wanting to go back to this store every other day. Dangerous for the wallet when you have spring fever this bad. tight lines.

I recently bought the Falcon Expert dropshot rod. Found it new for less than half price and couldn’t pass it up. I don’t dropshot a ton…..how would it be for throwing a small keitech, or even a Ned Rig? Also picked up the Expert jerkbait rod and the “Table Rock” rod for the same deal. The “Table Rock” rod feels like it could throw just about anything. Moving baits or drag baits. Very nice.

Thankfully, my anesthesia group has not yet been bought out by the Corporate entity that owns the hospital where I practice. Your point about HR dictating your practice rings true. Currently I can practice with the freedom to provide excellent care. The day our group is bought out will be the day I look for a new job. Making medical decisions based on fear of lawsuit is just getting ridiculous.

Where does a fella find the 5 inch Nicholes craw? I like the look of it.

Caught these way up flat creek many years ago on my favorite wiggle wart. The initial bite was the little guy…..the big one saw his opportunity and took it!

Very sad to hear this. Prayers for his family and those that were close to him. Always enjoyed his posts.

Headed to the lake tomorrow. Staying for a week….dam area. Keeping the boat in a slip and want to take bare minimum stuff so I can bring it back to the room every night. Targeting all 3 species of bass. Will be fishing pre-dawn mornings, and probably not past 10-1100 AM. Any suggestions on things to add to a “day box” that I can easily carry to and from the boat? Favorite topwaters, Ned, Keitechs, FB jigs, Dixie jets, dropshot stuff…. anything else I should add? I hate to leave the boat in a slip but just have to this time. I leave it almost completely empty with the lockers unlocked. Graphs are removed. I came down one morning and someone had tried to remove my motor guide tour…..🤦🏻‍♂️ Thanks, and good luck.

I’m a St Croix fan. Don’t know where you’re located, but Rogers Sporting Goods in Liberty Mo (Kansas City area) has a lot in stock. I use Avids for all my trout stuff, but have been thinking of adding a rod specific for crappie as well. Lilley’s Landing makes a great rod as an alternative. Tremendous value. You might consider checking them out as well.