Lake Of The Ozarks Newbie- Need Advice...

[Jacob H.]

Hi all, new to the forum and the Lake. I'm going to be staying with family for a week in mid August this year and I hope to spend a lot of time on the water. I guess I'm going to be kind of specific here, but any info will help so don't hold anything back.

I'm mainly looking for LM bass.

I'll be around the 35mm, I guess near the "hurricane bridge"?

I don't have a lot of range in my boat (small boat, small engine) so I'll be looking for some good spots within a couple miles of there.

What will be the best things to use? I'm accustomed to using mostly spinner and crankbaits, will I do ok with these?

Some of the family will probably do some fishing at the dock where we are staying, what can I do to help them and what should we plan to catch?

Sorry, I know this is a lot to ask, just want to be prepared! Also I realize I'm asking kind of specific questions, but really anything will help since neither I nor any of the family know anything about the lake having never been there.

Thanks!

Jacob

[CapnKenny]

Hi Jacob, I have a place near the 31mm. I don't bass fish so I'll leave it to others to advise you there. I see you are bringing your family down for the week. You didn't mention it, but if you are thinking about a guide trip I'd suggest you check out http://www.fishinglakeoftheozarks.com/. I have been out with this guy before and he is great with families and little kids. August is still a great time to get into some crappie action for the little ones. Have fun on your vacation!

[Tom Tricamo]

Considering the time of the year, you'll need to go deep for LM and Spots. The docks should be good. Texas Rigs, Shaky Head, Jigs. The water temp will be way up there in August. Early, early morning is the deal. The Main Channel is jammming by about 10am.

[Jacob H.]

Considering the time of the year, you'll need to go deep for LM and Spots. The docks should be good. Texas Rigs, Shaky Head, Jigs. The water temp will be way up there in August. Early, early morning is the deal. The Main Channel is jammming by about 10am.

I thought that fishing the docks was good just about everywhere, but it seems like I am hearing about the docks on the lake of the ozarks even more than normal. Are the docks there stationary or are they all floating?

[jackaroe22677]

Fish brush piles in the 15-20 ft range with a 10in texas rigged worm. Also throw around docks. Obviously docks with bush are best. Fish nice and slow. You'll catch some keepers - typically not huge numbers unless you're in the right place/right time, but you can catch some big ones.

[Jacob H.]

Fish brush piles in the 15-20 ft range with a 10in texas rigged worm. Also throw around docks.

Sounds good. I can do the texas rig thing.

Anyone know any particularly good spots near the 35mm? I've gotten quite a bit of good general advice, now just kind of wondering if anyone out there is familiar with exactly where I'll be fishing at...

[Fishin Fanatic]

Look for fairly steep bluff banks and fish them methodically with a drop shot.

[Jacob H.]

Look for fairly steep bluff banks and fish them methodically with a drop shot.

Drop shot? Not sure what that is maybe I call it by a different name...

*Edit* Sorry I should have looked it up first. Now that I did I can say I have heard of this before but never tried it. Probably because I've never fished with anyone who used it that I know of and I usually don't try something new unless someone personally shows me how to do it. I might have to experiment with this one a little on my own, though; it looks pretty interesting.

[Guest csfishinfool]

Drop shot? Not sure what that is maybe I call it by a different name...

*Edit* Sorry I should have looked it up first. Now that I did I can say I have heard of this before but never tried it. Probably because I've never fished with anyone who used it that I know of and I usually don't try something new unless someone personally shows me how to do it. I might have to experiment with this one a little on my own, though; it looks pretty interesting.

Be careful that time of year up there. If you have a small boat with a small engine I would not try to fish past 9 am, But the one thing that you have going that time of year is an unreal night bite. Look for docks close to deep water with bright lights. Fish a black 10" power worm and you should have a really good time. Be careful up there and use your life jacket. There is a bay on the west side of the lake just past hurricane deck bridge, its called Lori Hollow, the whole thing is good fishing.