Smallmouth April

[Slabhunter]

I come over every year to try to catch a nice smallmouth and always seem to get shutout. But Im hoping this year is different. We are staying in the millcreek area at Fish N Fun. We always come the first of march but this year we are coming on April 9th because last year when we came it was all snow and ice. Im a crappie fisherman but there is nothing like hooking a nice smallmouth and that is why I come here every year. But I always get shutout on the smalljaws. I ask the same question every year. "What do I need to catch these fish" Please help me. Im willing to try anything. As always thanks for your help and God Bless

[Champ188]

Slabhunter, my strong suggestion would be to put back a little extra money for this trip and hire a guide. Two that come to mind immediately are right here on this forum regularly ... Bill Babler and Don House. Not only will you catch fish like never before, you'll come away with knowledge that will repay you year after year when you come back for your annual trips.

[dwiebenga]

Slabhunter, my strong suggestion would be to put back a little extra money for this trip and hire a guide. Two that come to mind immediately are right here on this forum regularly ... Bill Babler and Don House. Not only will you catch fish like never before, you'll come away with knowledge that will repay you year after year when you come back for your annual trips.

I agree with Champ. I hired Bill last year, and I feel much more confident now than ever. They can flat out fish and show you little things that reap big benefits

[Jason Essary]

There are so many tiny tiny things on this lake, that make such a huge difference, Im with them and use a guide. Such clear water and fishing pressure makes the rock a temper mental girlfriend to come see once a year, situations and stratagies change like our weather (which its snowing AGAIN as I type). We can send u in the right direction, but miss one of like 6 small things and you might be shut out completely. A guide will take your hand and show u all 6 and explain why so that u understand how to do it next time.

[techo]

I concur!

[Bill Babler]

Slabhunter, you are pushing the early envelope on the Jaw's at Shell Knob.

If you are after SM that early you might want to consider maybe the Kimberling City to the Dam area. Don't get me wrong, everyone on the forum knows my love for the Knob. Caught my biggest jaw ever in May across from Big M Marina, at 6.3, but it seems the Jaws really get going just a little later up there.

With an April Start, you are getting closer. Be best to concentrate your efforts from Campbell Point toward the Baxter, Kimberling Area. The Point 19 to point 8 area should be just getting started the first week of April.

Something you will have working well at that time at Shell Knob, is a very nice Largemouth and Kentucky Bite.

We have a home at Shell Knob and of course our Lodge here near the Dam. I fish up there almost everyday in the Spring, so monitor the forum and you should get some really good tips.

Swimming a grub, and fishing the Stick, should be in full swing. Jigs and Hula Grubs are also to their liking along with a wart on windy banks that time of the year.

Can't wait. Good Luck

[WeekendWarrior]

I would agree with hiring a guide if you can afford it. I hired Bill Beck and I can tell you it was WELL worth it. The guides on this board would also be well worth it as they all talk when they are out on the lake. I know that Mr. Babler was talking with Beck when I was with him. With what I learned the guy in the back of my boat last spring had a 5.28 lb smallie, this guy was a newbe just getting into bass fishing. Any by the way, thanks Mr. Babler and other guides/TR regulars for posting your reports on this forum.

[Guest csfishinfool]

Slabhunter, you are pushing the early envelope on the Jaw's at Shell Knob.

If you are after SM that early you might want to consider maybe the Kimberling City to the Dam area. Don't get me wrong, everyone on the forum knows my love for the Knob. Caught my biggest jaw ever in May across from Big M Marina, at 6.3, but it seems the Jaws really get going just a little later up there.

With an April Start, you are getting closer. Be best to concentrate your efforts from Campbell Point toward the Baxter, Kimberling Area. The Point 19 to point 8 area should be just getting started the first week of April.

Something you will have working well at that time at Shell Knob, is a very nice Largemouth and Kentucky Bite.

We have a home at Shell Knob and of course our Lodge here near the Dam. I fish up there almost everyday in the Spring, so monitor the forum and you should get some really good tips.

Swimming a grub, and fishing the Stick, should be in full swing. Jigs and Hula Grubs are also to their liking along with a wart on windy banks that time of the year.

Can't wait. Good Luck

I agree with Bill, the dam area to Kimberling City would probably be your best bet that time of year. And if your lucky they might come up in masses out of the deep!!!

[Slabhunter]

I appreciate everyone help. I wish we had a forum like this for the lakes around here. Everyone is so helpful. I would hire a guide but I don't have an extra $250 layin around or I would in a heartbeat. How far is the Baxter and Campbell point area by boat from where im stayin at. Thanks for your help.

[Bill Babler]

Hit the main lake go down steam 2 miles around the point, and you will see the Big Marina on the Left. Keep going bearing to your right past the marina for 4 miles and you will see the Big and Little Indian Creek on your right Just inside the Creek on your left is Baxter Marina, campground and boat launch. You will round a long Bluffend bouy point on your left just before you get there it is a paperclip quick turn to the left. Continue down the main lake another 5 miles and you will be at the mouth of the James River on your left.

I would for sure get a very good lake map. Fish should be in transition at that point good luck