dwiebenga

I need to switch out the split rings. Who makes a good lite ring? Would like to purchase in bulk. The bass almost tore my hooks off my STX last week, and it seems to be a good winter project with the snowstorm we go today! We maybe done in Kansas City for the year

SOLD...Thank you

I have a reel that needs some repairs. I am having troubles with the breaking system. It is too fast on the cast, and I am getting a number of backlashes. I have tuned all my Citicas, and this is the only one I have problems with. Also, I have a broken peice on the "star drag" that needs to be replaced. Is it best to send to Shimano, or is there an alternative you would recommend. Thanks in advance. Dave

Has anyone else caught any LM recently with a fungus on them? I caught 2 this weekend. What is it?

My good Jim and I headed down to my family's place in Shell Knob for 4 days of fishing this past weekend. After reading all the post tonight, we did pretty well. We started out trip on Friday morning throwing top water and ended up with 5 fish including a nice keeper spot. The rest of the day we "junk" fished looking for some sort of pattern. We caught a few on drop shot, jigs, and c-rigs. In the evening, we picked up the topwater rods again and landed 3 nice keepers (2 LM and 1 SP). Saturday, we struggled with the top water and only managed 2 fish. One keeper SP on a drop shot and one keeper LM on a spook. We headed up near Campbell Point looking for some sort of blade bite but no wind. In the afternoon, the wind picked up and we got a bit of a blade bait. We had 8-10 fish with maybe 2 keepers. All on War Eagle blades and homemade blades. Jim got another nice spot on top at the end of the day. Sunday, we woke up to fog and a good topwater bite in front of Basin Hallow. We threw Red Fins from 6:20-8:30, and landed about 15 fish including 4 nice keeper SPs. They were chasing shad, and we also had some blind hits just throwing into the fog. We also started targeting deep trees looking for a drop shot bite. And we found a few trees holding fish (See photos). I am starting to learn more about side imaging, and we are taking advantage. Just need to get more comfortable with the unit and the display. The fish in the timber were pretty easy to see, and Jim proved we were correct. We probably took 15-20 fish out of the deeper trees using Chomper drop shot worms. Today, we had a similar top water day. We landed combined about 15 fish, but we struggled to find the drop shot bite again. We had to head back to Kansas City so called the day short.

Use Green

I agree...the depth seems odd at times, but this is an effective technique. I have a fairly economic rig Falcon Lowrider Dropshot rod Shimano Symetre 8lb Maxima 8lb Floro leader (approx. 3 feet) lots of Chomper drop shot worms I have used this technique all they way into November and anywhere from 22-100 feet. I can not emphasize the importance of a good graph. Really makes a defference.

Planning to sneak away for a couple of day long floats. Planned to stay with Russ and JeanAnn, but they are going to be out of town. Need a recommendation on a place to stay and I will need a shuttle. Any information would be great. Thank you Dave

I 2nd the Spinnerbait. For the last two years, I have come down in November and put my back to the wind with my favorite spinnerbait and caught numerous fish on wind blown points and banks. It is fun and would be a great way to introduce someone to spinnerbait fishing because of the consistent action.

Slayer, are you a Dutchman? I am a huge Oranje Army fan! I am also a big fan of the Elk and smallies! Not too often I find someone with that in common. I think we have a good shot this time

Any one every fished the Wisconsin River near the Dells? Heading up tonight and might fish a couple days with dad. Any advice would be great. Dave

Excellent Report....wish I was heading South instead of north!!

I am a weekend warrior as well. I have been with Bill on 3 occasions, and it has totally increased my production on TR. Then, I can not say enough about this forum. It is a gold mine of information. Listen to these guys and gals, they know their stuff. Here is my basic set up for the year on Table Rock... Spring: Jerkbait, grub, white fluke, shakey head, spinnerbait, jig Summer: jig, topwater, dropshot Fall: jig, topwater, wart, drop shot, spinnerbait I spend the majority of my time around Shell Knob. I am not a pro by any means, but I have been able to catch fish pretty regularly. Good luck, and as they say the best advise is ..."Go do it!" Dave

If the wind blows....put your head down...pick up a blade....and have at it! I did really well in the wind on the blade

Bill, I had my better bites on the shakey head near smaller docks and/or larger chunk rock. Topwater was better in the smaller cuts and near the docks too. I did not catch too many fish just throwing parallel to the bank. I was looking for activity then throwing a long cast. Some fair fish and many little tikes. Dave

Spent the last few days between Big Creek and Pt. 22 and had pretty good lucky chasing bass. Overall, landed about 50 fish, but keepers were limited (maybe 8 the entire weekend). I was able to find a decent topwater bite from 6-7:30am on Super Spooks and LC Wake Baits. Then, went with a 1/8-3/16 oz shakey head with a Zoom Shakey Worm (Green Weenie or Watermelon Red). Smacked a nice 4lber on the worm on Saturday. When the wind came up, put my head down and through the blade until my arm fell off. NOTE: if you have a light boat like mine, buy a drift sock and it will slow you down big time. Back to the story! I threw it at every piece of cover in 1-6 feet of water. I caught pretty good numbers, but again not many keepers. Overall, it was a great trip. I only saw one bedding fish, and he ran away, but I was not interested except watching. The water color went from fairly clear to tan near the Kings River. Dave

Okay...I hit the lakes here in Jackson County, but I also hit Table Rock 2 or 3 times per year

Where are you in KC? I am in Lee's Summit

I caught one years ago off my Grandmother's dock. They are very odd looking.

Great Post Bill!

Is anyone throwing a stick right now? Gonna be down in the Dam area soon, and my A-Rig rod is in Shell Knob and won't be there til April

Excellent information!

I am unable to attend. Is anyone planning to record and post here on the forum? It would be great!

Fantastic! Always excited when Fed EX or UPS does not break one!!! Enjoy!

How many strands do you all have on a typical FB Jig or Eakins Jig? Do you trim or completely remove some of the guard? Thanks dave