kcbear

It was tough, Eric-- the lake was down nearly 3 feet and the scum was awful. That said, I have already booked a week end in April of next year during the spawn (hopefully) with the same guide I had this trip. You know the old saying, "If at first, you don't succeed---"

Wally Eye and I did it!! Made the trek to Lake Fork on the 3rd- had a great guide on the 4th- and fished our hearts out on the 5th, 6th, 7th. Unfortunately, the lake was in a state of turnover--everything was scummy. My boat had a three inch wide band of scuzz that wouldn't wash off without some elbow grease. No giants to report, but did have a fairly successful week with at least a dozen bass over 3 pounds, and many dozen in the 1-2.5 lb range. It was finesse fishing all the way-- nearly everything was on wacky worms rigged on weedless wedge hooks. I had never fished wacky before, but after missing my first three or four bites, I found the range and had a blast!! By Thursday afternoon, I was an expert!! (just kidding) Weather was great, except the breeze was out of the east most of the week. Talked to quite a few fishermen, all had the same story-- you could catch fish, if you worked at it, but the bigger ones just weren't there. Bottom line-- I am going back during the spawn in the spring, but the trip made me love and appreciate Stockton even more. KCBEAR

I am happy to say that I and Wally Eye will be fulfilling a "bucket list" item for me this next week. We are heading to Lake Fork in Texas for 5 days of fishing for some big ole bucket mouths. The guide I have hired says the top water bite is good and getting better as they cool down like we are. Day in, day out, you can't beat Stockton in my book, but I am really looking forward to this. Here's to good weather, and good luck. KCBEAR

My wife and I stayed at Orleans Trail Saturday nite-- they were having a tournament out of there I guess because the place was packed, absolutely no parking around the ramp area, and a little music and celebration at the restaurant. That was a wedding reception I guess. Anyway, launched at the ramp north of Orleans area, near dam. Over Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, we picked up about 15 bass, only one keeper (nice smallie my wife caught on a crappie jig)-- but did have 3-4 others that were fat, but short. Wife also picked up 10-15 bluegill, with at least 1/2 being hand size. We fished dam area Saturday eve. looking for whites chasing shad-- lots of shad no whites. KC BEAR

That's what I,m talkin' bout!! I love this board. If you want to know something all you have to do is post it. This morning, I was wondering if the lake area got much rain. Straw Hat posted early about the amount and likely resulting conditions. My wife and I are at Orleans Landing this week end to fish-- helped a bunch. Thanks, Straw Hat. kwall posted about a place for his RV-- wtrdog responds with a site, price, and terms. Best of all, I learned that if wanted and/or needed, I can get my boat worked on, or buy tackle from local people trying to make a living, instead of overloading myself with tools, etc. when I want to be there and fishing. I have only been fishing Stockton for a little over a year- my experiences have been nothing but good. I have probably spent a dozen nights at Orleans, and made another 15-20 day trips from KC. It is my little piece of heaven on earth. I'm sure there are some less than friendly people and may also be some less than scrupulous businesses, but you know-- I ain't seen any of them yet!!! KCBEAR

Gilly, I could darn near see your tongue protruding thru your cheek after the second sentence. I think you forgot to add that the roads are nasty, it rains continuously, and the mesquitoes are the size of F16,s. Give me a good old pay lake with lots of carp, anyday. KC Bear

A friend and I intend to fish the Thursday evening tournament on 7-15-2010. I have been wanting to do this since they started back in April, I believe. The problem is that I live in Merriam, Kansas-- 135 miles from Stockton. I am still working which makes it a little difficult to get there in time for the tournament unless I take off pretty early in the day. Another problem is that finishing at 9pm means another hour to weigh in, get the boat out, and get ready to drive the 2 1/2 hours back home. This means that I might get to bed by 1am Friday-- and up for work on Friday by 5am. Since I don't get to fish Stockton nearly as much as I would like, I doubt that we would have much of a chance of even placing in the tournament, let alone win. The $40.00 fee, another $60 for truck gas-- another $20 for dinner-- another $20 for boat gas-- This is a $140.00 tournament!! With this sad story in mind, I would like for Mr. Bennett to agree to give me and my partner a total weight handicap of at least 3 pounds--kind of a head start if you will. Just kidding, Bob!!!-- The truth is we are looking forward to our 1st go at a bass tournament. In fact I plan to fish all day Thursday and most of Friday, with the tournament a priority on Thursday eve. So, if it ain't lightning, or pouring buckets---WE'LL SEE YOU THERE THURSDAY!!! KC BEAR

Thanks, Chris-- After I posted, I added "fishing lures" to my google of "Yellow Magic". Up they came. I hope they are really good cause the ones I saw were $14-16.00 each!! Thanks, again. KCBEAR

I have been looking at some Texas fishing reports (mostly Lake Fork)and they keep talking about using "Yellow Magic" top water baits. Anybody know what they are talking about? Anybody got a picture you can post? I love top water fishing (caught 14 Saturday morning on a black buzz bait at LeCynge, before the storms hit)and have all kinds of poppers, chugs, buzz,spooks,frogs, dogs, and hogs, but I never heard of a "Yellow Magic". KC BEAR

Good signs, guys-- I love the optimism!!! I agree Gobbler, there is nothing better than the crash of a nice bass slurping up your buzzbait, popper, chugger, frog, mouse, or whatever your favorite is. I love catching fish by any rod and reel method, but topwater is KING!!! Thanks for the responses. KCBEAR

Somebody tell me when the top water bite will get good. Was at Stockton the week end before Memorial day- tossed several different top water baits with nary a bump. I did catch half a dozen bass (all short), a short walleye, and two drum--all on a jig with a Gulp 7" Turtle Head worm, dragged along the bottom-- off a main lake point-- in 10-20 ft of water. I'm ready for the topwater action--SOMEONE-- please tell me it will be hot (the bite that is) this Saturday when I am once again on that heavenly lake. KC BEAR

Thanks to all four for your information and opinions. While the vote was split evenly, I get the feeling that either one would be a better choice than CC for the next few weeks. Thanks again, and good fishin' to all of you. KC Bear

I used to know a lot about Lake Monroe-- I graduated from Indiana University in 1977, in Bloomingtion. Lake is about 10 miles south-southeast of Bloomington. I believe it was built in the late 1960's by damming up Salt Creek. I left the area in late 70's and have not fished there since-- I did fish it a lot from 1968-1977 when I was in school/working there. It had one major marina- Four Winds, I believe. There are probably at least 7-8 launch ramps around the lake. It is a fairly narrow, long lake (at least 10 miles)with lots of creeks and coves. Depending on time of year, could have lots of structure--trees, brush, etc. Bass fishing was pretty good, particularly around the points, secondary points, and creek mouths. Lots of crappie. I don't recall much of a small mouth population. I remember using a lot of top water in the late summer and fall. In October the water temp is likely to be in the mid 60's range, under normal weather conditions for that area. If you have some specific questions, please remember that I have not fished the lake in nearly forty years-- a lot can change in that time. I must admit, though, your post brought back lots of good memories of times spent on that lake.

I should add that I normally use Orleans or CC-- but CC is so narrow and steep (not to mention extremely busy) that I don't think she would be comfortable in either the boat or the truck. I have never used Ruark or Hawker Point, but would like to fish the lower part of the Big Sac area. Thanks again, KC BEAR

I am considering bringing my wife to Stockton this coming Sunday and let her catch some crappie. She is very inexperienced when it comes to launching and loading a boat. Which launch area would be easiest for a novice? Which one is the least busy? Steepest ramp? Widest ramp? Anyone care to help me out? Thanks, KC BEAR