Not New To Forum But New To Boating

[Bimmer]

Hello again fellas! Well my blood is getting itchy as I'm expecting to have my first boat here within the next several days. It's a used GlassMaster 14' fiberglass. It's got a 50hp Merc which means I can't use it anywhere here in the local Springfield lakes. It also comes with an electric trolling motor.

So, boy do I have questions! Not being a native here, I know VERY little about the gear. Are either Taney or Table Rock good lakes to boat on for a novice? Does it matter? Any regional etiquette tips I should know?

I'd like to troll for nice bows. Are there other good fish available for trolling? Recommended locations would be appreciated. I also like bass and walleye as well.

Having never fished these bigger lakes, are obstacles an issue? If so, in what areas should I steer clear of?

Coming from the north, what's the best places to put in at for both lakes?

Yeah, I know. A lot of questions. But I want to have fun, be safe and be respectful of others on the lake.

Hope this wasn't too much all at once but I think I covered the important ones.

As always, thanks folks!

[Gatorjet]

Maps of Taneycomo are available to show you where the shallow shoals are. For a beginner, and wanting to troll you will be good to put in at Cooper Creek MDC public ramp. The ramp is wide, and easy to launch from. That area of the lake is deeper, and I see a lot of fishermen trolling from there both up lake and down. When you go up lake to Short Creek when there is no generation from Table Rock it can get crowded in the channel, and you have to thread your way through a lot of boats on the weekends. I'd say go up to just above Lilley's Landing and start your trolling down lake. If they are running water, you might want to just drift as many people do. You can use the same baits and lures that you probably troll with.

Good luck, Bob