First Time On Table Rock - First Time Taking A Boat Tomorrow

[Bimmer]

Taking the maiden cruise in a little 14" fiberglass GlassMaster boat we just picked up today. It's got a 50hp Merc as well as an electric trolling motor. Since it's Sunday, we're out of church at noon, football game ends at 3pm so we'll be lucky to get on the water by 4:30 coming from Springfield. I figure the closest/safest spot to launch is Indian Point via Reed Springs. Are we hitting the lake at a bad time? What is the evening bite like?

As for gear, we're new to the Ozarks and all I really have a surplus of is 1/8oz and 1/4oz jigs. We're used to fishing from the shore so we mainly use powerbait. But having a boat changes a lot of things. I'm going to have to invest is bass gear again for sure but for tomorrow the wife and I just want to test the boat and catch some keepers for dinner. Could be Walleye, Bass, Crappie, Trout....not too picky here. We just love to fish.

So that's bout it. If I'm going to invest in gear to fish Table Rock, can you folks give some direction? We'd really appreciate it!

[dwiebenga]

I would read through the forum over the last year and see what the common presentations are. It will take time but you will learn how to fish the lake too. I would start with football jigs from 1/2 to 3/4 oz, crayfish colored wiggle warts, 4-5 inch smoke and green pumpkin grubs, finesse worms, favorite top water. Good luck and welcome to the lake

Dave

[getfished]

This first trip out due to the short window of remaining daylight it might be good opportunity just to do some cruising and browsing around. A time to check things out such as the depthfinder, bilge pump, trolling motor and that sort of thing. Get a feel for the how the boat handles and maneuvers. Just getting some hours on the water will help you feel more comfortable when you return to fish. I always fish more effectively when I am relaxed. If you have gotten comfortable with your boat on your first trip then you know what to expect and you can be more relaxed when you do fish. Take time to just get out on the water and enjoy the experience. One more thing, if this is your first boat here's an idea you might consider. After you launch the boat you might take just a few minutes to back away from the trailer and make a circle and then drive back onto the trailer to load. Figuring out how to set up and load properly for the first time is easier in the light than at night or low light levels. Enjoy.

[wallin]

Might want to check out your lights and make sure you take a good flashlight with you, no lights can make it very tough.

Have fun, be safe and wear you life jackets to be safe.

[Bimmer]

Thanks Dave! Those sound like some good options, a few of which I had gleaned from perusing the forum. I plan to visit Fin & Feather Tackle Shop on the way out of town.

Getfished, that also is some excellent advise and one I would definitely give someone else who is "in the same boat" (PUN). There's only one flaw. I'm sure when I was born that the good doctor had to pry the fishing rod from my hand before he could spank me and I know myself well enough that there's just no way I'm going to be out on the lake and not get my line wet. But again, because that IS just good advise I will refrain as best I can for as long as I can to get acquainted with the boat and the water. My dad took me out in his boat often as a child but it was to mostly ski but I do remember a lot of handling and saftey tips from him.

Wallin, I had not even considered the flashlight and considering the time of evening we're like going to be leaving that also is an excellent idea!

Thanks so much guys! I'll let you know how it goes.

~David

[Sam]

Going in the afternoon this time of year, watch and listen for surfacing white bass. If while fishing you hear a "waterfall" in the distance, look around quick to see where it's coming from - then charge over there and get in a couple of casts while they're boiling. Stay in the same area and they'll come up again sooner or later, and they'll hit your 1/8 oz. jigs (or most anything that moves) when they're feeding. We call that "chasing the boils", and it's a blast.

I have a 50 hp motor too, and my boat's longer than yours but it's aluminum. It won't take big waves like a heavier boat, so I still fish anywhere on the lake but I avoid areas like Indian Point, State Park, and Kimberling City on weekends and holidays when a lot of party boats and jet skis are out. At those times I'll be up James River, Cricket and Long Creeks, or over on upper Bull Shoals. Those places are safer and a lot less annoying when there's a lot of traffic.