gman61

Should I worry about specifically looking for gravel? With the Ned I'm normally fishing 20 ft or shallower. So I could fish docks, gravel or wood structure right?

Thanks Quillback, I'll do that! BTW here are a few that I caught back in August on the Ned. All caught on a orange ring worm with tail pinched off. Ran out of Zman baits that weekend and didn't want to leave lake.

Normally only get down to the lake in the middle of August due our daughter being involved in every travel sport imaginable. Weekend off, however, allowing a quick weekend trip down to see the in laws. Luckily, I'm allowed the use of his Tracker Targa so majority of my time spent will be on the water alone. What should I plan on bringing besides long underwear? Had decent success past few years pounding gravel with a Ned rig. Basically, that's all I fish anymore. Would I be ok just doing the same? Limited success with whopper plopped but admittedly have not committed to it for more than few casts here and there. I'm not loaded with all the tackle serious guys need but have a few of the more popular baits. I tend to fish light as well using 4-6-8 lb test on med to light spinning gear. Right now weather forecast is high 40's post cold front and I'm a little scared. Heard a few people say fish are relating more to spring pre spawn areas in creek coves right now. Foreign language to me. Thinking I'll alternate between top water , Ned and swim bait. Any thoughts?

Staying just west of Kimberling bridge at Hoot Owl Point. Have always fished around this area. Been pretty busy with speedboats, tubes and jet skis. Always read reports about the river arms, Big M, Cape Fare, Roaring River etc... How long of a trip would it be for example, to Roaring River area? Using a Tracker Targa that cruises 30-35. Worth my time or should I just stay it, save gas and fish the area here that I know somewhat? Are the fishing conditions that much different? Opinions?

We're heading down too. Don't get down enough these days with my daughter being so active in sports. Staying just west of Kimberling at Hoot Owl Point. Looking for some panfish advice.

Bluegill pattern swim bait?

Without going into much detail, kids and wife are wanting to catch fish next week, or melt trying! Best bet for a novice with a fishing barge would be nightcrawlers on dropshot at the thermocline, right? Might catch a mixed bag as well. Stay across from Mill Creek so I assume that will be best place to start. And, should I set their alarm clocks for 4:30 am and not tell them night before?

Being both a jet skier and a fisherman, I have to agree to all the comments on this post. While I primarily fish on a fishin barge, I have caught fish of my waverunner. I have been forcing myself to get on the lake between 5-530 to fish, come home around ten, then head back out to boat around 1pm and if not too tired, then back to fish in the evening. It makes for some loooong and tiring weekends. I've tried to be as courteous as possible while on the ski. A couple of times I have even learned a thing or two while watching and talking to guys fishing the Kimcity bridge. I usually idle around them and just watch. While there are a fair share of numbskulls on this lake, it is nothing like Lake O up north. Have also begun to snorkel a bit this year which has opened my eyes up to what exactly to look for....pea gravel, rocks, stumps....and why.

So here's the deal. My inlaws retired to Kimberling City and have a place near Hoot Owl Point with dock rights and a 20ft fishing pontoon. We are going down Memorial weekend then staying through that next week. My wife has to travel for work to Kansas during the week leaving me with my daughter and the inlaws. I know it will be a zoo on the lake over the weekend but what should I be fishing for during the week. Crappies will be back to deep water, right? So, should I look for Kentucky and Spotted bass. Last Labor Day I caught a few bass at Goat Hollow. What's my best bet for this time of year? Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Greetings! I am a 38 year old native of central Illinois. My in laws retired to Kimberling City last year which means I will now get to fish Table Rock several times a year. Most of my posts will involve questions about this lake. I have a 16 foot Lund which probably won't see the lake, but my father in law has a 20 ft tracker pontoon set up for fishing. I fish primarily for crappies and bass but anything is game.