SRV1990

Thanks Conman, we're looking forward to the trip, and Sue and Carl seem like real nice folks. Just curious, what colors worked best in the spinner baits? Most of my arsenal is plastics -- fish doctors, centipedes, finesse worms, tubes, etc, I just don't have a lot of spinner baits. How about the top water bite, anything on the red fin or spooks? Thanks again! Tom

Sounds like it was a good trip Brian. We'll be heading down this Wednesday for about five days, but like you we decided to switch places and are staying at Holiday Hideaway over in Aunts Creek. Even though Techo has insisted there are no fish over there, we are going to try it anyway . Will post some information as time allows. Tom

I'm considering using the braid (Invisi-Braid) to fluoro set-up and have several packs of the Spro Power Swivels (#10 & #8). Seems like it might be a better option than trying to tie line-to-line, at least for me since I'm not as experienced as others with the type of knot needed to tie line-to-line. Any cons with using these swivels for this set-up? Thanks, Tom

Thanks everyone for your feedback, it's much appreciated. I also contacted Sue at Holiday Hideaway and she gave me some good information on conditions, etc. We were there in 2008 when it was high and adjusted our approach and were more cautious while out on the water. Will do the same this year. Thanks again and all the best! Tom PS, thank you too Vernon for starting this thread, and for letting me tag along for the ride ;-)

Vernon, like you my buddies and I make an annual trip to Table Rock, we plan to be there from 5/11 to 5/15. We'll be at Holiday Hideaway in Aunts Creek. And likewise, I would be interested in thoughts anyone would like to share with regard to how conditions will be at that time. It's in no way being insensitive to ask, and I certainly understand that many folks have been impacted in a negative way with all this terrible weather. But I think all those who make their living at the lake (guides, resort owners, etc) would want us to know the truth about what is happening, as well as give us their honest opinion of what is to come. It would only make a bad situation worse if folks cancelled a trip based on false information. Best of luck to all who call Table Rock 'home'. Tom

I would recommend looking into the C.A.S.T for Kids Foundation, volunteers who provide disabled and disadvantaged kids with an opportunity to fish. http://www.castforkids.org/ Tom

That is some great info Bill, as always... Thank You! Now, appreciate very much if you can keep those beautiful green monsters in the same mood for about 4 weeks...!!!

With three kids 11 and under, have to do what they want, at least for the most part

Whew, and I thought it was me... Glad to hear that it's you!

The one in St. Charles didn't have many of the jointed one's available, but plenty of the others.

I bought it a few years ago at BPS. Since I was still relatively new to fishing TRL it was definitely worth the money to me. Tom PS... Congrats Champ and Donna!!!

My first trip down to Table Rock several years ago to fish with my buddies I caught hell from them for "beating the bank". I didn't know any better, but sure learned quick. And the above posts reaffirm that 10-fold. It's tough to train yourself to stay out, especially if you're a once-a-year guy like me, but trust me I'm sure gonna try. Thanks all for the great advice! Tom PS... my buddies to this day insist that still I fish 6 inches from the bank... with friends like that, who needs enemies???

I found a few places online (their own website, Tacklewarehouse, Bass Tackle Depot) to buy them, but is there a retail outlet where they can be purchased? Thanks, Tom

There have been numerous reports, almost daily, from many of the OA.com members and guides providing very specific and detailed information on what's working, how, etc. Scroll through the last couple dozen posts and you will find everything you need... and then some!

Understood, but not sure how that could be since I typed it exactly as it's on the card. No biggie, I'll just call the toll-free number.

I tried ordering mine, twice, kept giving me a "CVV2 Error" message. May have to call instead.

Hey techo, as always thanks a lot for the info. I've never had much luck with topwater baits, a few shorts here and there, but nothing to write home about. I see a number of posts on here about working the bait very, very slowly, even pausing for a while. Is this your approach as well? And would this also be the best approach to use in mid-May, when the water is even warmer? Thanks, Tom PS... Hey Brian, sorry for hi-jacking your post, but had to ask

Done... however, it's only nine questions, not 10

Hey Brian, my buddies and I will be there from the 12th to the 16th, I'll try to look for you. We'll be staying in the house above the laundry room. Since I'm only a once-a-year guy when it comes to Table Rock I probably can't help you nearly as much as most of the others who post here, but will say that plastics -- shakey head, dragging a split shot or swimming a single tail grub -- have produced the best, by far, for me in the five years I've been coming down. I'm always open to trying different things, but when the bites tough I fall back to what I have confidence in. Good luck! Tom PS... Since we are fishing different "tourneys", I don't mind sharing what's working for me, if you'll reciprocate ;-)

Welcome to the forum EP... and you're right, it is a great community. Tom

Well, I may fall into that "lurker" category, but only because I live four hours away from Table Rock and only get to fish it once a year. After my annual trip I post what I think will be helpful to others, although can't say I've given exact spots... mainly because I don't remember them like some of you guys do. If I fished the Rock more regularly and could provide more, I would. So from someone who truly enjoys this forum and all of the great information provided, I thank you. Tom

I have a Shimano Symetre and a Sedona, and both work very well. I also have two Pflueger Presidents and a Pflueger Trion and they work very well also. I give my nod to the Pflueger's simply because the price is a little better. Good luck! Tom

I haven't been on in a while and get on today to find this. I find this thread encouraging, confusing, frustrating and very funny (EP, your posts especially have been hilarious!). Bottom line, though, is I agree with most of the other posts in that it's utterly ridiculous folks would complain about free fishing information. I've only been fishing TRL for about 5 years and have never hired a guide (primarily for financial reasons), so I've learned a lot of what I know from this forum. Shame on all of you for helping out a complete stranger, with nothing in it for you. Thanks to everyone who posts informaton on here, whether they be guides or regular joe's like me. Tom

The shakey jigheads I use are like these: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...010000_100-10-6 I like how you can screw the worm down on the spring, helps to really keep it in place. Many of the shakey jigheads on the market have the worm keeper protuding from the head at an angle from the hook shank.

Thanks motoman... yes, they are truly a beautiful fish, especially those smallmouths! We didn't do any night fishing. We typically hit the water around 6:30 and fish till 12:30 or so, break for a few hours for lunch and then head back out around 4:00 till 8:30, basically just as it's getting dark. We're pretty beat by that time, so after a few cold ones it's lights out