Fishing An Ozark River, With Al Agnews Winter Smallie Guru

[Al Agnew]

Dang it, I KNEW the first part of the week was going to be a good time to go, but I had to be in Las Vegas for the SHOT Show this past week. I hate Vegas. Every time I go there for some convention or something I realize all over again how much I hate it.

Nick can flat out catch fish...see why I call him a guru?

I'm almost glad it's raining like crazy again, since I'm going to be in Montana next week. Maybe I won't miss much Ozark winter smallie fishing.

[zipstick]

Good days happen when we know what the local weather will do to influence the bite, Bruce. Amazing how quickly a nearly frozen stream can get warm to the point that the fish go on a good feed. Our friends will note how murky that water looked and may be scratching their heads. In winter, that darker water is often better for fooling those bigger smallies. For the record, we totaled between 18-20 smallies in additon to the assorted largies, spots and crappie. I think 13-15 smallies were over 16 inches. A real pleasure fishing with you. Let me know when you want to go again! Nick

[Bman]

Good days happen when we know what the local weather will do to influence the bite, Bruce. Amazing how quickly a nearly frozen stream can get warm to the point that the fish go on a good feed. Our friends will note how murky that water looked and may be scratching their heads. In winter, that darker water is often better for fooling those bigger smallies. For the record, we totaled between 18-20 smallies in additon to the assorted largies, spots and crappie. I think 13-15 smallies were over 16 inches. A real pleasure fishing with you. Let me know when you want to go again! Nick

Nick, Thanks again for the schooling!

Eagerly waiting for the next trip!

Bruce

[Kicknbass]

What were the fish hitting on? Soft plastics, Stickbaits, live bait?

[zipstick]

What were the fish hitting on? Soft plastics, Stickbaits, live bait?

It was a jig bite.

[Kicknbass]

It was a jig bite.

Thanks.

How long was that gigged bass?

[ohmz138]

Glad you two got into em! We have been looking for some good bassin around here. We have done good at other spots on the river, and lakes in the Ozarks but not like that. I look forward to hopefully fishing with you and dad some day as well. I have always done good on lakes but not as well on the rivers, unless floating. We have had some pretty good fishin on floats too, but again, not with that quality. Awesome fish guys!

Matt

[zipstick]

Thanks.

How long was that gigged bass?

About 15 inches give or take.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Dang it, I KNEW the first part of the week was going to be a good time to go, but I had to be in Las Vegas for the SHOT Show this past week. I hate Vegas. Every time I go there for some convention or something I realize all over again how much I hate it.

Nick can flat out catch fish...see why I call him a guru?

I'm almost glad it's raining like crazy again, since I'm going to be in Montana next week. Maybe I won't miss much Ozark winter smallie fishing.

Sorry Al, I didn't hate it too much a couple of weeks ago. I believe I know what you mean though.

[BobK]

Those are some beautiful fish!

I have river fished for 35 years (C&R)and have never ventured out there during the winter months....boat in storage.

I need to rethink that after viewing these pic's.

Thanks for sharing!