Thanks To Bill Babler!

[bownarrow1]

I would like to publicly thank Mr. Babler as well as the other contributors to this forum. I had the pleasure of fishing with Bill Monday 8/17 for the morning. It wasn't as important to me to catch fish as it was to learn from someone HOW to fish a lake like Table Rock,.....i.e, what types of points to look for, how to rig and fish a drop-shot, etc.. Also, as a new 1st time bass boat owner, I was really looking forward to fishing with someone who knew how to handle his boat and electronics. I live 6 hours away and will only fish Table Rock once a year, twice if I'm lucky.

I really meant I didn't care if we caught any fish. However, by 9:00am we had boated almost 100 white bass, several kentuckys, and a walleye. I had been given a lesson in boat positioning, using your electronics with a spoon, and several things to look for when fishing particular points. By 9:30 we left the whites to go drop shot a hump. I learned more in the next 30 minutes with Bill than I had learned in countless articles I've read. We caught 2 more nice kentuckys. Next, we moved to a flat off of a point and drug a football jig across the bottom where we caught a couple more and had several bites. At this point my 4 hours was almost up so we headed back to my dock.

This is where I became amazed at Bill's professionalism and generosity. Not only did Bill clean 30+ white bass for me and my family without letting me help once, he went out with me in my new boat. He adjusted my electronics precisely and gave me several tips about how to operate, park, and position my boat. He even called a lowrance expert to make sure he was adjusting it correctly......not to mention the phone call he made to help me find a place to service a broken rod locker.

At this point, he had given me almost 6 hours of his time, and he charged me for 4. I can't express enough how much I appreciate the way Bill Babler treated me. I left with an education you can't get on t.v. or any bass fishing magazine. I've never seen professionalism and generosity like what was shown to me on Monday.

I would also like to thank Chris(?) with the bass cat. I believe he helped us with the white bass tip. And that goes for everyone on this site. After reading all your fishing reports, then spending a week on the Rock, it is amazing how open and honest the reports you give really are. From someone who lives far away and fishes here infrequently, I really appreciate the tips and advice you all provide for free.

Bill, if ever need a reference, you've got one here. Thanks for an awesome site and an awesome job at what you do.

Sincerely,

Matt Voth

316-217-6058

Cheney, KS

[Champ188]

Hi praise, but no doubt well deserved. Bill obviously truly loves the sport and is more than willing to go the extra mile to share his knowledge with others.

Side note about my first time to meet him: I was down in my back that afternoon, as I am from time to time, so my wife (DonnaG on this forum) was about to tote our day's catch up the hill at Ahoy's to weigh them in. Bill came along about that time, took the bag from her and carried it for her. A gentleman, indeed.

[Bill Babler]

You dudes don't post this kind of stuff, I'm old and cranky, and cantankerious, and want to keep it that way.

Many thanks, to both Matt and Champ.

Matt, it was my pleasure, meeting you and your lovely family, best luck in the future and good luck with that fantastic boat.

bb

[KCRIVERRAT]

Bill, you are quite the gentleman. One of these days... plus, I LOVE YOUR HAT!

[S&M]

Post deleted for the betterment of the members.

As well as my membership on this website.

[Trolling 4 Walleye]

So, for the record: White bass, crappie, and walleye are ok to catch, keep, and eat

it is only the black bass that are not?

How about smallmouth bass? any thoughts on the Kentucky?

[Phil Lilley]

We've had quite a few knock down, drag outs on keeping bass... we don't need another one.

[Sam]

We've had quite a few knock down, drag outs on keeping bass... we don't need another one.

No knock-down drag-outs here, just my $.02 worth and no criticism of anybody.

I'm a meat fisherman, and I like to bring home supper. In my opinion, walleyes, crappie, bluegills, black perch, goggleyes, and some catfish are the best eating. Small white bass are OK too, but I don't keep the big ones. Keeper size black bass aren't NEAR as good to eat as all those others.

As happens once in awhile, though I try not to, I killed a 17" largemouth the other day on Bull Shoals. I was trolling and he swallowed a Bandit II plug with two treble hooks on it, way down deep. There was no way to save that fish.

At supper we had a plate full of small white bass filets along with the big filets from that bass, cut into four pieces. There was a real big difference in flavor and though we ate it, the bass wasn't near as good as the white bass - and I think all those other fish listed above are better than white bass!

I wouldn't criticize anyone for what fish they keep, as long as it's legal. But it seems to me that having big bass in the lakes, caught and released a bunch of times during their life, is real good for everybody. Those bass, more than other species, support guide services, tournaments, tackle shops, restaurants, resorts, and guys who enjoy catching them so much that they spend 30 grand on a bass boat. They're why people drive here from Cheney, KS and have a great time - and that's a real good thing!

So me, personally, I'll have a good time bass fishing and release what I catch. Then I'll go along a rocky bank with a little-bitty jig and an ultralight pole and fill the livewell with 7" black perch and bluegill - and I'll have fun doing it. Or, I'll go find some crappie or small white bass. Either way, the filets I bring home will taste real fine along with the fried 'taters and onions.

[Chris Tetrick]

Hey Matt, did you ever get your x-17 fine tuned? Call me if you got any questions about it.

Fishing with Babler is fun. I've got to go with him a handfull of times and it's always been a blast!----

[techo]

Great idea, getting a guide to go in your boat and help tweak it up and make suggestions. Hmmm......