SRV1990

I see lots of posts/reports where stickbaits are being used successfully, whether LC, Spro, Rapala, etc. It seems to be the go-to choice for many this time of year. But since I usually don't make it down to TR until mid-May, thought I would ask for some input... -- At what water temps does the use of stickbaits slow down, and will it get to a point where they aren't used much at all? -- If they can be used successfully in warmer waters (60+), what types of structure should I be focusing on? I posted something like this near the bottom of another thread, but thought I would start a new one (BTW, thanks for the one response I did get!). As always, thank you!

Thanks again everyone, some great information!

Thanks for everyone's input, it's much appreciated. But it's now led to another question: Can you describe what is meant by "landslides"?

I see that on many of the posts where the guys are giving their fishing reports it's noted that they are fishing transition banks. While I think I understand what a transition bank is -- sand to pea gravel, pea gravel to chunk rock, etc. -- I'm curious to know how you guys identify these areas. Do you use maps? Do you use your sonar to pinpoint them? And if sonar, what are you looking for on your display? Thanks!

Hey guys, with all the talk about stick baits, just curious to know at what water temps do you normally slow down your use of a stick bait, or stop throwing it altogether? Or is it good year-round on Table Rock? (PS, my apologies also if hi-jacking this thread). Thanks!

There's a spot not far from Indian Point that my buddies call Quick Draw... guess it's not much a secret spot now that they let me in on it, huh?

First off, let me say how appreciative I am to all those who so willingly share information with the rest of us, whether they be the great guides who post here regularly or the other members. I usually only get one opportunity to fish Table Rock each year, late April or early May, but I stay on top of things throughout the year. It's awesome to see how things change throughout the year. and as gabe posted, it allows me (and I'm sure others) to "enjoy" the lake from afar. As for the type of info posted, I am grateful that it's actually what is going on and not just speculation. I've had quite of number of people who used to fish Table Rock years ago tell me "this is where you should go and this is what you should throw". Well, I would much rather know what people are using right now that is working, or how they're using it and where, versus what someone did 10 years ago. Anyway, thanks again to all of you for the information you provide! Tom

Heck, I'd take this as well even if I can't see the video

For those of us too far away (for me, St. Louis) to make such a trip, it would sure be great if a video of the presentation were available. I'd love to be there to hear Mr. Babler and ask questions, but it's just not possible to make it down. Thanks, Tom

Beautiful fish... Congrats!

Was down last week, fishing relatively shallow... and it took me to see my brother in law catch ONE fish on a grub and I made the switch!

Having rec'd so much good information from forum members I thought I would try to return the favor. Fished four and a half days last week, returning home yesterday afternoon. Here's what I/we experienced: >>By far the best bite for us came on 5" Yamamoto green pumpkin single tail grubs, fished slowly on 3/16 or 1/4 oz jig heads. Also caught a few on the double tail version as well as a green pumpkin fish doctor fished on a split shot. Between me and my brother in law we caught around 40 fish, with me boating 7 keepers and him getting 6 keepers. For being relatively new to bass fishing, especially on the impressive and humbling Table Rock Lake, we considered these numbers a rousing success! Majority of fish were smallies, with a fair amount of spots. Very few largemouth were caught, as well as a few goggle eye. >>A few of the fish were caught on main lake points from the dam down to state park marina, but opposite side of the lake (west side). The majority were caught from the corners of those same points and as we worked back into coves. On the points we kept our boat in 25' to 30' of water and cast all around the boat. Once on the corners/sides we moved in slightly closer and cast to the bank. >>Thursday (5/15) afternoon was the toughest for us, with the heavy winds after the morning rain. Friday was good, as the wind calmed down a bit and it was a bit overcast. Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning were our best days. We fished a little closer to the banks of the coves and nailed fish that seemed to be hanging out in the flooded brush and trees, I guess shading themselves from the sun as they recovered from the spawn (most of our keepers seemed to be spawned out) and waiting to ambush our grubs as they passed by the shrubs and trees. >>Our yearly trip is a "friendly" fishing tournament, 8 guys total. It's my 3rd year and my brother in law's 2nd year. Well, my 7 keepers came in at 14 lbs 7 ozs, good enough for first place! Three of those fish came on Sunday morning, all smallies (2-4, 2-1 and 1-11). I've never caught a real big bass, but knowing what it feels like when a 2+ lb smallmouth hammers your grub and heads to the bottom, I can only imagine how I would feel to land a bigger one. By the way, my brother in law came in second with just under 12 lbs. NOTE: All fish were returned back to the water to get bigger so we can (hopefully) catch them again next year. Thanks again for all the input everyone so generously provides on this forum. Take care and happy fishing! Tom

Thanks for the input guys, it's much appreciated. Tom

First, a big THANK YOU to everyone who provides information, tips, etc. about fishing Table Rock! A few questions I've come up with to help me better understand some of the info provided: >>Many references are made to fishing points right now... Are we talking about main lake points or secondary points? Or both? >>I have read where one should fish points "at the mouths of spawning coves". How do I recognize a spawning cove? And is this typically near a secondary point? >>Reports have stated to keep the boat in 20' - 30' of water (or thereabouts) on pea gravel flats. I should be able to identify these types of areas using a topo map like a Fishing Hot Spots map, correct? >>When on a point and casting, should I fan cast toward land, away from land or both (i.e. off all sides of the boat)? I'm heading down very early tomorrow morning and will be there thru Sunday. I'll post my own report once I get back. Thanks again! Tom

Thanks for the info, Chunk... and glad to see the grub bite is still on! I'll be there Wed thru Sun this week, so hopefully the lake stays productive. Tom

Oops... sorry again. If you don't hear from me for awhile I will be off somewhere taking my size 9 out of my mouth

Wow, that's quite a pig you're holding there... how'd you get her, and where? BTW, love the hat, just wish I could find mine. Maybe the kids know where it is

Don and all, thanks much for your input. I'll be there next week and will definitely try to put it to good use! And Trav, my apologies for hijacking your "grubs" post with my electronics questions . Appreciate your understanding, and good luck tomorrow!!! Tom

Denjac, the boats we rent are equipped with one very basic fishfinder, either Eagle or Humminbird, mounted on the console. The guy in back can see it, the guy up front - working the trolling motor - cannot. Not being that experienced at using one to begin with I feel like we are at a huge disadvantage on such a large reservoir as Table Rock. Any suggestions? As always, Thanks!! Tom

Don, just curious, for those of us without a boat, who rent and only have one meager piece of electronics on the boat -- and sometimes it aint much -- what chance do we have? Can we still get a good enough read on what's going on below even with very basic electronics? Please note: I'm very "green" when it comes to using electronics, so it may not really matter anyway Thanks, Tom

Bill / Don, great stuff... Thanks! Just curious, seeing as how many are just getting started, in your opinion at what stage are they likely to be in a couple weeks from now? I'm heading down for my annual trip from 5/14 - 5/18 and hoping (i.e. praying) that the action will still be good when we get there. Thanks again!! Tom

Interesting theory, and the forecast calls for some rain over the next three days. Hmmm......

One other thing: I just checked weather.com for the Branson area, boy it isn't looking too good for Wed, Thur & Fri ... with rain and temps dropping a bit. Sure hope that doesn't turn the bite off...??? Thanks, Tom

Jeff, appreciate the heads-up on the length limit, and the license. Don, Awesome, can't thank you enough. I am a MO resident, with a MO permit, but based on what you have said we may not even need to venture that far down. I have the soft plastics you mentioned, but I don't have any jointed top water stickbaits. Will pick up a couple before heading down. When you say "Main lake points", I assume you are referring to points that are not located in/on one of the arms, correct? I've got a couple maps, including the Hot Spots East map, will make some notes on there tonight. I also have a Garmin eTrexC and I may key in some waypoints... assuming, of course, that I can pinpoint the spots right. Again, thanks so much for your help, it is defintely appreciated. I'll keep an eye out for your red Skeeter. Unfortunately neither my brother in law nor I have a boat, so we're renting one. We are staying at Boomerang Resort, where the other guys we are fishing with have stayed for years. It's sort of a "friendly" tournament between 8 guys. We're the newbies, and want to make our presence felt!!! All the best... Tom

Hi everyone, I'm heading down to Table Rock next Wed (5/3) for four+ days, will be staying at a place on Indian Point. Would greatly appreciate any help on what's working where in that particular area. Also would like input on whether or not moving further south would be more productive, say down to Beardsley, Brush Creek, or as far as Cricket. One final thing: If I do move south, and cross into Arkansas, will I need an Arkansas fishing permit, or will my Missouri permit suffice? Thanks in advance for any and all help! Tom