DADAKOTA

Big fish are like big bucks. They both can do some really stupid things resulting in their demise. Lots of big bass get caught around docks with all kinds of human activity and noise going on. I general it is better to keep the noise down while fishing. Is that walnut paneling? My wife's grandparents had floor to ceiling walnut paneling in their house in Stockton. Your picture made me think of all the great times that were had at their place.

After reading Jim M's story about going in the lake I got to thinking that I should probably get one of the inflatable PFDs for my 88 year old Dad. His balance is pretty bad and it really worries me when he is on the dock or in the boat. Thinking he'd be willing to wear an inflatable full time. I know nothing about them. What brand would you all recommend?

Glad to hear you are OK.

I have fished the lake since it was built. I have never had fish shut down by dropping a split shot on a carpeted floor of a boat on Stockton or any other lake. Must be one big az split shot. There are plenty of places away from Mutton for families to stay and camp. Mutton is what it is. If folks don't like it then don't go. I've seen folks catching crappie from their boat slips while listening to the music. Didn't seem to bother the crappie one bit. I turn on the radio in the boat all the time and listen to a ball game or some music. I catch lots of fish. Of coarse I am not blasting it either.

It doesn't bother the fish

Nice looking fish

Crappie fishing was decent from Memorial Day through the 31st. 300 Bandits in shad colors and chrome were consistent producers. 25 fow was a good depth on Memorial Day, but found them as shallow as 15-16 the next 2 days. Late afternoon/evening was the best bite.

Amen will be there on Thursday. Amazing how much of a magnet the water willow is to bass right now.

Sounds like a great trip. Heading for OT in an hour or so. Looking for walleye and crappie.

Fishing is supposed to be relaxing. Have confidence in your abilities. It isn't the end of the world if you are not on a bite. The only standard you have to live up to is self imposed. If you have no confidence your more than likely will not be very successful. There are times everyone struggles to find and catch them. That makes me more determined to figure it out. Makes great conversation with my fishing buddies as I try to figure out what else I could have tried. And remember one thing, some days the fish are going to win.

Can't wait. Will be there Monday - Thursday

Used to do real well down there in high water pitching green pumpkin tubes into the bushes.

Jealous of you river rats. I used to be one myself when I lived in the Lou and in St. James. Love catching those smallies.

New water makes you think again. Use your knowledge of fish habits, time of year, weather, water temp, clarity, visible cover and vegetation, etc. to identify likely spots. Then utilize the baits/lures that you brought with the proper technique to fish the spots. Start shallow early and move deeper as the day goes on unless the water is dirty whereby they may stay shallow all day. LOZ largemouths around the 50mm are shallow all day right now. Buzzbaits early, spinnerbaits and jigs is all you need. Best spots we found were backends with water willow.

Go fish a new body of water.

Can't wait to get down there mid day on Memorial day as everyone is leaving. Will fish for 3 or four days. Hope the walleye are biting.

Heard it only took 12 pounds to win Shriners 2 day derby

As long as it isn't illegal it is up to their own conscience. I'm not a fan of spearing or arrowing game fish, but evidently some folks like it, In regard to big fish not tasting good, most folks have no idea what a certain fish tastes like because they hide the flavor with spicy breadings, tartar sauce, etc. Just think of all the big bass hanging on peoples walls gathering dust. Makes no sense to me to kill a trophy when a picture and/or replica would work..

Safety should be the number one concern of boaters, fishermen, tourney anglers, etc. It absolutely amazes me how many folks throw caution to the wind and totally disregard their own safety as well as that of others. Dense fog should only be run at idle if you are already on the water unless you have radar on your boat. If you are not on the water let it burn off. Folks out at night that either don't have lights or don't turn them on are a serious danger those running down the lake. High winds, lightning, etc. should be treated with utmost care. Dad always told us if it gets real bad to put it on the bank and hunker down. Worst case you can always walk out if you need to. When fishing a derby if the lightning starts we quit fishing and take shelter if we can. There is an entire group of boat owners that should not have a boat as they do not know the navigation rules, common courtesy, or how to properly drive their boat. Talk about hazardous. Then you have the weekend KVD wannabes who risk life and limb to pursue a limit of derby bass in the hopes that they will actually cash a check. Very few of these folks can win enough money to offset their derby expenses, yet they will stand up with their graphite lightning rod in hand and keep on fishing while the lightning goes cloud to ground around them. If they value their own life so little they have no care about yours as they fly through the fog. Bottom line is take care of yourself. If conditions are not safe to run then don't take the chance. Losing a little fishing time is a small price for being safe.

Do you think a bottom bouncer rig like you'd use for walleye would be a successful presentation?

Don't matter how stupid they look. They can either catch fish or they can't. Never really took notice of anyone's outfit when I'm tourney fishing. Way too busy trying to catch fish for that.

Should be plenty of trout in the Rock now.

Dandy mess of eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you don't have a limit in your well you are releasing not culling.

Not sure leaving a trailer in the water all day is good on your hubs/bearings. Would think you are inviting water inside the hub.