Champ188

The bite is changing. Water in the bushes in May means bass in the bushes, on Table Rock and on Beaver.

I'm with you, Hammer. I think I've caught a couple on it but it's hard for me to put down a jig or hula grub when I'm fishing wobblehead conditions.

This is probably a more reasonable hypothesis than my bowfishing guess.

A touch of class is nice, but I prefer ALL class, so I drive a Ranger.

Clear water plus shallow fish on spawning beds ... could someone have shot this fish with a bow and failed to land it?

Thanks for the report, QB. And yes, it's fast getting to be that time of year when you need to go to bed at the same time as Babler --- soon as the 6 o'clock news is over --- and be on the lake an hour before the crack of dawn.

It's not solely about that single fish. It's about genetics and the potential of its offspring to also reach trophy sizes. That fish has proven to have genetics that are far above the average northern-strain LM bass. Taking it out of the lake to hang on a wall ensures that a genetically superior fish has been lost, along with the offspring it might have produced. I'm not saying don't eat bass. But why not eat the smaller ones that may not have the potential to grow to trophy sizes? Studies have shown that a very small percentage of bass actually have that potential. Besides, a fiberglass replica will long outlast an actual mount and will look good as new 20 years from now.

They're now saying the peak will be 918.2 on Thursday. Who knows?

Brett, you can't go hatin' on those people like that! Don't you know they were just reduced to blissful ignorance (spelled it right this time) by their excitement to be fishing in the big-bass derby and didn't know any better than to cut in line? Those people come from far and wide to fish this derby and spend thousands upon thousands of dollars while they're here. If you can't be nice and get along (i.e., let them just do whatever they want and take it with a smile), maybe you just need to stay home that weekend. (Read back up this thread --- that's the solution. LOL)

Nice fish. Too bad it apparently died. Replica mounts are such a great option these days. Yes, it's his right to keep it. I'm just joining denjac in saying I personally wish it was still swimming.

COE forecast says it will top out at 917.7 on Friday. That's without any more rain.

For once, I stand on both sides of the fence ... I did serve, and I appreciate the heck out of other veterans past, present and future. The guys battling these lowlife coward terrorists now in Afghanistan and elsewhere can especially use our prayers and support.

I live a good bit away so I've only used Ulrich in a couple of minor emergency situations, but I do know that Fred Ulrich is known throughout the Ozarks for knowing his stuff about Mercury engines.

Happy to hear you enjoyed your stay and caught some fish. OA is a special forum for sure. Come back and see us soon.

We're going to get together for dinner soon, 96 CHAMP. I still feel bad that we got our wires crossed last time. Who knew Danna's has 3 locations? Look forward to it.

Very nice of you to say, Chief. Appreciate the compliment.

Cody, here's a lesson from a very experienced tournament fisherman who's had MANY days/nights like you just described. The lesson is: You don't always catch 'em. Doesn't mean you're an idiot. Doesn't mean you missed anything. Doesn't mean you did anything wrong. What it does mean is you are human. Shake it off. Hey, at least you're honest enough to get on here and admit you didn't catch 'em. So many people these days would be saying, "Well, I broke off two big fish and had another one at least 4 pounds jump off right at the boat." One of the first stories I did as a young outdoors writer was to interview Bill Dance when he was in town for a tournament. He told me something that I never forgot: "If anyone ever tells you they catch fish every time they go, they are a liar -- plain and simple." I've fished lots of 4-5 hour nighttime jackpots over the years. You hit the water running and do what you planned to do. There's hardly any time at all to adjust. It either works or it doesn't.

Hey, I only recommended the bait. I didn't know you needed a knot recommendation, too!

All available at Tackle Warehouse, no doubt, since you're on the payroll there.LOL

Nicely done. Good times with Dad and catching a bunch of fish to boot. Hard to beat. Thanks for the report!

Figured the fb jig bite had to start soon. Thanks for the fine report and the pics. Glad you had a good day.

Good stuff, C4F. I'm like Jerry, brought back some memories of similar "what the heck else can go wrong" outings. Better luck next year. Hey, at least you'll have all of THIS year's hot items (except the lost spinner). LOL

Clubhouse leader for politically iincorrect post of 2015.

Bobby was outclassed in the SEC, coaching against the likes of Saban, Pinkel, etc. He's sorta that way everywhere he goes. Once the opposition gets a handle on his smoke-and-mirrors offense --- which doesn't take long --- he starts looking to move on. By that time, the program is pretty much in a tailspin, which is left for the next guy to correct.