SRV1990

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

Hi All, Got back Sunday from our annual fishing trip/friendly tournament on The Rock. Six guys fished this time, total weight for the entire trip wins braggin' rights and a big, obnoxious fishing trophy. Total winning weight was 26-4 (Matt), 2nd place was 25-10 (Joe) and I came in 3rd at 23-4. Majority of fish caught on the following: split-shot (mainly watermelon seed or green pumpkin centipedes/fish doctors), shakey head (finesse worms in green pumpkin and watermelon candy) or grubs (several different colors). One keeper on a Spook and one on a Wiggle Wart. It was our best trip so far, with many of the fish coming in the coves off rocky ledges, and some near secondary points. Large rocks and/or ledges seemed to be the key. By the way, after Friday nights storm it was brutally windy all day Saturday. Here are some pics: Me with two nice smallies, the largest going 3-4: Me again with a nice 2-14 fish: And a couple more of mine: Matt with the big fish for the week, weighing in at 4-4 (Matt and Joe hit a hot spot that evening, with Matt landing 5 keepers and Joe 4): Me with a couple more from Thursday (temps had started to drop a bit): Matt again with a couple real nice smallies, the biggest around 3 and a half: Don with his biggest keeper, this one coming in at 3-7: Overall it was a blast. Caught lots of other fish, including many in the 13" to 14"+ range, and real fighters. All fish returned to the water after each day's "official" weigh-in. Tom

Excellent info Don... as always, thanks much for your input!!! Tom

Definitely good advice, denjac...!

Hey guys, My buddies and I will be on The Rock from this Wed morning till Sunday and the forecast is calling for rain everyday. We'll have our rain gear, so we'll stick it out unless it gets really bad (lightning, etc.). Any advice you care to share about types of areas to focus on in bad weather? Will the same baits working now (grubs, shakey head, split shot) continue to work when it's raining? Thanks, Tom