Learning To Be Consistent

[ktm3ten]

I moved to MO about 6 months ago and have been spending most weekends on Table Rock, particularly near Cape Fair (I live in Billings). I'm totally new to bass fishing. Growing up in Colorado, I spent most of my time fly fishing. Now that I'm here, I've had good days (for me that means 4 or 5 decent bass) and more than a few rough days of no fish or 1 or 2 blue gill. I feel like I really need some help just getting a basis for bass patterns, what makes a good spot to work, and a lot of help getting through the many techniques. I've learned as much as I can on the web, I can tie a drop shot rig, I know what a shakey head is, I've bought a few redfins and zara spooks. Now I'm ready to learn the best ways to fish these rigs, when to fish what, and most importantly, how I can consistently get on and hook up with some decent fish. I read the reports every day about people's success, I think now I just need some on the water guidance.

Are the local guides here mostly out to get people a day of fishing and catch as many as possible or are there some (any in particular) who will spend the day teaching? Am I even at the stage where I wouldn't be wasting a guide's time trying to teach me? Are there any guides who can do some teaching on electronics? I've got a humminbird graph and chart plotter and I'd like some help learning to read that as well.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

[rps]

I moved here seven years ago and faced similar difficulties. I was too stubborn to hire anyone. Another forum member, techo, hired Bill Babler for a teaching day and swears he learned a ton. PM him for details.

[motoman]

I've yet to hire a guide,(but know several people who have) and from what I understand; ask around, and let the guides know what you want, and they can cater the day to your request. It sounds like a guide would be just the ticket for yah. It should really help make more productive use of your time on the water.

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I think Don House is a Humminbird wiz, and actually has an option on his site about him teaching you about your Humminbird electronics.

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http://www.bransonfishingguideservice.com/Rates.htm

[Hunter91]

When I moved here from down south several years ago, I was lucky enough to hire a guide, Tim Paige, a couple times. He shortened my learning curve along with the help of forums like this and others and a few other helpful ozarks experienced fisherman. I would say it would be worth the money and time.

[techo]

I had the same issues when I moved here. I lived in International Falls and fished Rainy Lake hard. I was known to be a fairly good (not great) fisherman and placed in almost every tourney I fished. I moved to Alaska and fished the Big and Little Willows, the Montana the Deshka and other small rivers. I never had a problem catching fish.

The first year I fished Table Rock.....I thought someone put a hex on my boat or something. I would read this forum and then go to where they said they were fishing and try to do what they did.....with no success. Finally Babbler took pity on me and gave me a fishing lesson. Life has been way different since. I have hired one other guide and picked his brain too. I hope to get back with Babbler for a refresher one of these days, but will probably wait until the fish are deep.

There are a ton of guides that could help you out. Don House, Eric Prey, Tim S., and lots more. My next teacher (if not Babbler) will be Beck. I have a great amount of respect for him and his knowledge.

With that said the best thing for me seems to be time on the water. If I fish three days in a row, the best day always seems to be the third day. The main lake points that have transition banks are my place to start, if I don't already have a different idea. I am not sure you will catch the largest fish, but generally catch something. If you are fishing out of Cape Fair, then you can always go to the bridge at Bridgeport and pull in some Kentuckys to wash off a skunk. The points at Buzzard Cove generally hold something at this time of year too.

I might be wrong, but I think Cape Fair area is a bit harder to fish than some other areas. It seems to me there are more large mouths in that area of lake and not as many small mouths and Kentuckys.

[skeeter]

I moved to MO about 6 months ago and have been spending most weekends on Table Rock, particularly near Cape Fair (I live in Billings). I'm totally new to bass fishing. Growing up in Colorado, I spent most of my time fly fishing. Now that I'm here, I've had good days (for me that means 4 or 5 decent bass) and more than a few rough days of no fish or 1 or 2 blue gill. I feel like I really need some help just getting a basis for bass patterns, what makes a good spot to work, and a lot of help getting through the many techniques. I've learned as much as I can on the web, I can tie a drop shot rig, I know what a shakey head is, I've bought a few redfins and zara spooks. Now I'm ready to learn the best ways to fish these rigs, when to fish what, and most importantly, how I can consistently get on and hook up with some decent fish. I read the reports every day about people's success, I think now I just need some on the water guidance.

Are the local guides here mostly out to get people a day of fishing and catch as many as possible or are there some (any in particular) who will spend the day teaching? Am I even at the stage where I wouldn't be wasting a guide's time trying to teach me? Are there any guides who can do some teaching on electronics? I've got a humminbird graph and chart plotter and I'd like some help learning to read that as well.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

If you grew fond of that fly fishing in CO don't put that fly-rod away here. Some of the best fun of the year is right around the corner as the big, and I mean big, bluegills are just about if not already on their beds and just nail a popping bug thrown on a long leader. Many times while fishing the popping bug for slab gills you'll also pick up a nice Bass and after the gills move out try those same poppers right up against vertical cliff faces. Had some really nice Bass along those walls come the heat of Summer in early morning just hanging out waiting for something to fall in the water. Accardo makes some really effective poppers ( if you can find them ) and the pointed nose bugs cast way better than the true "popper".