J-Doc

Very good point. And it was just a few weeks ago that the classic was held. Look how miserable it was in a southern state. And have it in late summer and it's just the opposite. Too hot and fish are not biting well due to local pressure and heat. The point of the classic was to challenge the best of the best. The Top Gun of sorts competition. Challenging conditions shows the true luck and skills of these pros. They can't all fish on Ray Scotts lake or a Bill Dance stock pond. :-)

He should. And he better take plenty extra. He should sell out. The Ned has become quite popular all over the nation.

That's very true. It's shoulder to shoulder "mad house" on the weekend. I almost got trampled by Byron Velvik running to his booth. And that was on Friday. On Saturday, he would have needed a horn strobe and siren to attempt a jog much less a sprint like he was attempting the day before. It's the biggest boat and fishing expo I've ever been to. It's like a bass fisherman's Toys R Us.

But hey.......I like Fish Fishburn so.......

Thus my dog and pony show comment above. I must admit....... Mercer's "g-g-g-g- giant bass" is worse than nails on a chalkboard.

Cool. This is really cool. A quick 2hr drive and you're there. No plane trip needed or long drive to go to the classic. If any of you haven't been before, you should go. If you don't like dog and pony shows......well stay home. It's a dog and pony show. And I like pups and ponies. Lol!

They just had it there 2yrs ago. Back so quickly? That's a bit surprising. Not complaining by any means. I'm happy. I went two years ago and you can BET MONEY I'll go again!! And take a boat this time. :-) Thanks for posting. Gotta plan my "Man-cation" next year.

The new Rangers are made by Ranger in Flippin.

Nice one Phil!

Good luck! Post up a photo if you catch some!

Ugh..........yeah. Definitely. See fishing report posted today. Caught in the area noted above.

I'd say yes. Outside could offer clarity. Won't k ow till you try. And...only do it if it's important to you. If you're like me and really want clear images and rely on sonar a lot, I'd move it and see. Otherwise be happy with it. You can see what's going on.

He is glowing with excitement? Or on FBI most wanted list (Haha....Just kidding) :-) Yeah I saw you at the point across from the bluff wall just north of Hickory Creek marina. I passed by on my way up river. I was scouting areas for an upcoming trip. I'll be glad when it's warmer. Tired of this colder weather. It was 39-40 when I passed you and 39 at point 12.

Having the wife excited about it really makes it that much better. congrats on the new ride and let us know how you like it!

Sounds like you got a very good price on that rig. I would think it would have been closer to 18-19. Funny thing....... The Crestliner and Ranger designs look almost identical. Notice I said "almost". I heard rumor that an engineer for Crestliner went to work at Ranger but...that's rumor. There is no doubt that the boats look extremely similar. Seems like I read that Crestliner has more strakes on the bottom and plastic/composite consoles instead of fiberglass like Rangers. Pretty slick looking boat for sure. Hope you get out and enjoy it soon. I'd be going seriously crazy waiting to use a new boat.

Sounds like someone has been skunked a few times. I've heard this tune before. Lol!

Well that's the attitude to have. Any fish can be fun. Good for you! Ventris is probably the closest ramp for you I assume. The Rocky Branch area to just below the 12 bridge is one of my favorite areas. I hear ya on the cold weather. I'm done with it.

It ain't no Bill Dance stock pond that's for sure. :-p It's a puzzle and it can drive you nuts but it can reward you as well. I love fishing it. I could drive to Table Rock or Grand and catch fish easier (they say) but it's too much of a drive when Beaver is 10-15 mins for me. I like a challenge and I'm learning more and more every year. Come down, I'll take you for a tour. If you will take me for a tour on Stockton. :-)

I target bass, walleye, crappie, striper, and tarpon. Obviously I can't catch tarpon here so I get my fix with stripers. I'm still a bass guy and always will be. It's my roots. Bill Dance got me into fishing as a kid. I live to bass fish but ok days when they are not biting for me (most days) I keep a crappie rod in the boat. I them catch bass on crappie gear. Go figure. So I'm a multi species guy now. Forgot to mention that.

Welcome and welcome back. I'll warn ya. As a former "all bass and nothing but bass" angler, this site and striper are habit forming. I used to hate strippers because of various reasons. I didn't know any better. Then I caught one. And then I grilled it. Now. ..I prefer it over any other fish for eating. Including grouper! Catfish......I can't eat anymore. Nasty compared to striper or crappie. But that's just me. :-) This lake is an ever changing puzzle. It's a wonderful mystery and what makes it a challenge. I've visited other lakes that are similar and used the knowledge I've gained from Beaver. If you're used to river fishing, then I suggest going up river and fish similar to what you know. Then work your way down river towards the dam and learn your way around, new techniques, etc. Verses starting out at the dam and getting frustrated. Fish I target in 5-8ft up river will be 15-18 mid lake and 20-25 by the dam due to water clarity. Bass are plentiful but get more pressure on this lake than any other species. Well, except maybe crappie but I'm betting there are more bass anglers than crappie anglers consistently on the lake. From what I have witnessed over the years. So that pressure makes it tougher to fish for bass I think. That and the lake itself can be tough because it fishes smaller than the average of water it offers. Hang around. You'll learn something. When you do, share it and others will share also. :-)

There is a tiny scratch. No dings. That scratch bothers me. All the time.

Should push them up a bit. But I'm not sure. I have not been in weeks.

Not to get off subject but here is a side by side before and after on the White Diamond polish. And this is after having the boat in muddy water most of the day. Still no water line. I simply wipe off with Lucas Slick Mist after each trip. I did this on my glass boat and I do it on this one as well. Just want to keep it looking new as long as I can. I like to take care of my equipment. That's just me.

Best thing I have found is "White Diamond" polish and sealant. You can get it at auto parts stores for about $10. Works better than any polish I've ever used on aluminum. Much less work removing black residue.

No he doesn't and ibdont either. The aluminum shows scratches on the keep and some nicks but it's durable. Not a cosmetic issue. I should know. I baby mine. F&F doesn't. So no worries about bleaching it. F&F's also serves as an ice breaker sometimes.