dwiebenga

The blade was best on Sat and Sun. Friday and Monday had little wind, and I lost my bite in my areas around Shell Knob. I was to stubborn to put any real time into a jig or shaky head. Probably a poor decision on my part, but oh well. That is life

I threw the War Eagle 3/8 oz double willow with purple and white (Purple Shad).

Champ, Thanks! I took your advise and just committed to it. The strikes were jarring too, and that made it even more fun. The 4lb LM about tore the rod out of my hand!

I took the advise of some good fisherman on this forum. I put my trolling motor down, picked up the 3/8 oz War Eagle blade, and started slinging it! Fished from point 22 to Big Creek for 4 days. If I had wind, I was able to get bit. I caught about 30 fish on the blade. I even broke one of my blades in half because I had straightened it too many times! Fortunately, I had a back up and was able to repair the other one by switching out the skirts. The keys were wind, chunk rock banks, and some "scrub" brush in the shallows. I was surprised at the quality of the fish. Most were largemouth 14 3/4 to 15 1/2 inches. I was able to get a 3lber and 4lber too. I really think the lake is on the verge of an explosion as far as quality fish goes. I am really excited to be back on the lake soon. It will be a blast! Good luck to all and have a great Holiday season! Dave

This is great information

Great report, and it shows the generosity of the men and women on this forum. I hope this continues so we can all learn from eachother.

Even with the set backs you made it a great weekend. Especially with the blue skies and little wind. Great report!

I will chime in a bit on location. I can speak of the areas between Holiday Island and Campbell Point. I have been successful with the "head" around the docks. I tend to target the corners of the shallow ends. Most of the time they grab it on the way down and you really have to be a line watcher; or they are next to your boat before you start reeling. I have also had good success in chunk rocks (basketballs to large tire size). It is a great little bait that is inexpensive and will get you bit. I am going to start my kiddos on that bait in the Spring. They are dying to go with Dad to "the Rock". Just my two cents...I prefer Watermelon Red or Watermelon Candy for my worm. I will also use Zoom finesse worms or shakey head worms.

My buddy and I are looking to put a bigger motor on my 2007 Lowe Stinger 165. Would love to know if anyone has one for sale or knows where one can be found. Thanks Dave

Looks pretty close too me. I would not say it is impossible to catch the same fish twice.

Welcome home Bill!!!

Your family is still in our prayers

I am looking to buy a Lowrance or Eagle with GPS. I have a budget of about $600. Any recommendations or folks wanting to sell a unit. Thanks in advance Dave

That is Great News!

any word on Gov. Nixon declaring a state of emergency?

I use the Falcon Lowrider Shakey Head rod. It is about $150. Great rod! I would recommend anything from Falcon.

Great Job! Can't wait...two weeks of work then 4 days of play!!

I would go 3/16 oz on the shakey head...it is pretty universal

Great report Bill. I am really looking forward to my trip in three weeks!

He did not say he was using braid...but I was curious if that is what he was using. What do you use to extend your money on expensive fluorocarbon or mono? What is the most common backing?

Does anyone use braid as backing on their casting and/or spinning reels to save money on mono or fluorocarbon. Saw an episode od Bass Pros and KVD had a brief segement on it. What type of braid is best? what knot do you use to secure the lines? Thanks in advance.

Read the posts...The guys and gals here will give you a start. Great people on here. We are more interested in seeing people being successful than leading the astray!

Oh...and they carry the McStick!

I just ordered a Falcon HD Rod from Durham's in St. Louis last week. Good People!

That is awesome. That will keep me fishing TR for the next 50 years!!