shockley32

Huckfin, The lake fishing has been wonderful. If you're not use to fishing in the lake but have plans to do so this year and in the coming years I highly suggest you hire a guide. Bob from Stockton Lake Guide Service is great and will put you on fish, more importantly than catching fish with him is learning how. He will take the time to show you how to use a graph, tie knots, talk about rods, jigs, scents etc... The info you get will make you a better fisherman the rest of your life. I've been fishing all my life and every time I go out with a guide a learn something new. Trust me you will learn a ton, have a great time and catch some fish! Brad

Hope you have a great trip. I was able to fish with Bob from Stockton Lake Guide Service today and did well. We had three people with 32 keepers in under four hours. Could have finished all three limits but I had some work to get done and needed to go. Don't think it really matters right now where you go just find shad and fish under them. Today 28-35 fow and used only jigs, mostly blue. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Brad

What brand of rods do you like to use? I prefer All Star, have and use the ASR as well as the Team AS series. Have been using a few St Croix Avids, just got my hands on a Mojo Bass, great stick for the price! For Crappie I use - All Star, Outlaw and Ozark rods. Thanks, Brad

What a terrible tragedy on Pomme Sunday/Monday. This fellow was out enjoying a wonderful hobby and it cost him his life. It is so important to wear a life jacket especially in the winter with a lot of heavy clothing on. Also very important to wear the vest when alone, just never know. I always try to take a buddy with me in the winter, cold water can get one in a hurry. Here's a link to the story: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/01/1780632/olathe-man-missing-dog-boat-found.html Brad

I hope someone has the answer, looking forward to being able to tell the difference myself. Brad

Congrats on the great trip! Welcome to the board. I have a trip with Bob tomorrow, hope you left a few for us. Brad

What a wonderful day! With such a harsh winter these 40 degree days feel like a beach on the gulf. Worked on the computer until mid afternoon until I couldn't stand it any more. The fever was getting so high I had to find the only cure I could. Got to the lake at 4:00, met a few buddies and fish for a couple hours. The fishing was hot, hot and hotter! The three of us ended up with 20 keepers and another 40 throwbacks. Fishing brushpiles in 20-30 fow just off the bottom. Used green, blue and silver jigs. Most fish were just good keepers however we did end up with about five true studs, it sure is good to see a few of those fish again. Just a word of caution - make sure you measure and remeasure your fish. The agent was at the ramp waiting when we pulled in. He was very nice and great to work with. He did check our fish and license. Good luck to all and good fishin'. Brad

It was a beautiful day and couldn't bear to think of not trying the water. Got to the lake a little after noon and unfortunately it was all froze up!! Couldn't believe what I was seeing. Although I've been trying to fish Nemo for three weeks it wasn't going to happen. Headed to the dam, water still froze however not nearly as thick. Decided to break ice, fishing great decision, breaking ice cost me the keel guard on my boat! Fished four hours and caught 60+ crappie and about 6-10 bucketmouths. The bite was great and a ton of fun. Fished brush piles in 20-30 fow, mostly just off the bottom. Some piles are loaded with fish while others you can't get a bite. If you have the chance get out, just keep checking piles until you hit jackpot. Brad

Spinning Reels - Okuma all the way. They are very reasonable in price, are smooth and I haven't had any problems with them. Fin and Feather carries several lines. Good luck with whatever your dad ends up with. Brad

Chris, I went again Saturday with the same results. Took about two hours to find the fish and then it was lights out! If you are going to crappie fish just search brush piles until you find one loaded, I wouldn't spend more than 5-10 minutes max before I moved. Good luck and let us know how you do. Brad

Bob, Your catfish report is priceless!!! Can't wait to get out and catch a boat load of crappie. Brad

The weather was so nice yesterday I just had to get out! Drove to Nemo and everything was froze up solid, went to State Park closer to the dam thinking water would be better - nope all froze over! However the ice near the dam was only about 1/4 inch thick so we had to put in. Ice from the ramp all the way over the main lake. Only a handful of spots were not iced, none larger than a football field!?! Fishing five hours without a bite, tough go. However finally found some fish in the brush 18-28 feet of water. Ended up catching 25 plus fish in about an hour just off the bottom. Caught them on Crappie Slayer jigs - blue with blue flake, toxic green and SW Green. Had a blast and ready to go again, hope this weather gets by us so I can get back out. Brad

Bill, Thanks for a great pod cast! What is the name of the hooks you put on your stickbaits? Thanks, Brad

I would love to fish with any of those guys. The only one I have experience with is Cpt Crunch, may have to visit him in minute! Brad

1. Respoolin (Yes it's local!) 2. Crappie Angler 3. In Fisherman 4. MO Game & Fish 5. Crappie World 6. Field & Stream 7. Outdoor Life Have had several others but these are the ones I stick with. Man I must spend too much time on the .... uh nevermind! Brad

Quillback, Thanks for the info! Brad

Does H2O/Academy make stick baits? How do they compare? Thinking about ordering some through Netcraft, they look good. How hard is it to put them together? Brad

Fin and Feather will have the McSticks on sale Saturday, Feb 13th. It's their 26th annual customer appreciation sale. Don't know anything about these baits but after listening to you guys I think I'll give them a try! Their flier says McSticks 12.50 or two for $24.00. Brad

Head south?? I do, I do!

I've never tried to megabass plugs but might give them a try. I know they are expensive but always willing to try at least one! How do they compare to Lucky Craft baits? I've never tried them either but might be willing to throw them a few times! Come on momma give me a raise for my allowance I'm gonna need it!!! Brad

Jared, I don't know much about walleye but plan on learning a lot this year. Not sure about mid Feb but I'm under the impression late Feb and early March is the best to catch a true pig. I'm sure a few of the guys on here will be able to tell you about the time a little better. If you've never been to Stockton consider hiring a guide, they can show you the ropes and put you on some fish. Good luck and let us know how your trip turns out. Brad

With the stick bait bite just around the corner what's your favorite? Do you use the same brand for walleye as bass? I've enjoyed using Rapala, Smithwick Rogue and Storm Thunderstick.

Thanks for the excellent report and detailed info. Brad

Chris, Pomme is a great wineter lake! I'm not sure if much or any fishing can be done right now. Most of the lake is froze over. You could probably fish down around the dam area, haven't been down to see what the water is like. I'm sure all the coves are froze. I have a friend whose drilled through the ice and fished a couple of days. They caught some little bass and crappie with a few keeper crappie. Hope this helps. Brad

Congrats to all! Brad