Baxter Area Report

[Bill Babler]

Went out of Indian Hills this morning, and really had not been to the Baxter/Mid-Lake area in a while. Don't like to do that, like to have fresh intel, but after reading of the leadcore line trolling and talking to a few people in the area, I hade an idea.

Cannot put that PigSticker down, so had the boys all geared up with 3/8th. ouncers in green pumpkin with a twin of the same nature on the butt. I have cut this bait down and with the 4 inch trailer, it is a very tight package. Fishing it on 8 pound maxi on the spinning reels and 12 pound invisx on the grinders.

Mike and Dave boarded the Champion on one of its last voyages in the dark at 5:15 in the AM.

Wanted to hit some rolloff transition runouts up the white with a ridge and then a deep slide off to the main channel. Not so much bluffends, but more where the long points dump into the channel.

Kept our eyes bugged out for any topwater action. Caught glimpses of a few, but to far away and did not stay up very long.

First location with the jig Mike caught 3 fish on the top of the break. Boat was in 40ft.. His jig was acting like food in about 12 ft. of water on the snaps. 1 Keeper Jaw and 2 K's that would both reach without a measure.

Started hopping up the White River fishing these locations as they are everywhere. Only hit two spots in 4 hrs. that we did not snaffoo something. Really a nice morning with a mixture of K's and Jaw's. No LM today. Stayed with the jig as there was no reason to put it down. Just kept moving when the bite stopped. Usually about 3 fish per location. Most keeps, that you would not need a board for, but for sure not derby fish.

Thought it was going to be a bear, as when I left the house it was 84 degree at 4:30 in the morning. Cloud cover stayed on and it was a little cooler when we were finished at 9:30 temps had dropped to 83 air. Water surface temp up the White river from Baxter to Campbell Point was a solid 89 hot degree.

Eagles were a flyin, and that is always luck for me. Saw two different pairs, and caught fish in front of both pairs. Lots of Gizzard shad breaking the surface and I'm sure the White headed birds were watching them too.

Tried a swimmer on several locations, with all the shad but nothing. Drop shot is useless as the gills are thick from 15 to 40 ft. They will not let a dropshot worm alone. You can see them follow it in the water column, as it drops. Beck however did have 2 keeper eyes on crawlers in the Kimberling Area on the shot last week.

Pretty nice morning with really zero traffic as far as fisherman. Big Bozo boats did get out right when we were coming in, so that was not a problem.

Yep 5:15 to 9:30 is the deal

Good Luck

[techo]

Getting new Champion or moving to a Phoenix?

[Bill Babler]

Brand New 921 Phoenix is setting in the driveway as we speak. Have had it out twice. Got about 3 hrs. on it. May be a different story at Lake of the Ozarks, but this lake does not have a wave that boat cannot handle with ease. At close to 22 ft. and wide enough in front of the console for a barn dance this is some kind of fishing machine. Will know more later, but I was kind of like the jet skiers yesterday. I was hunting big waves and it made a laughing stock out of them. Even Becky said WOW! "This boat tames rough water."

Give you all the details later.

[timr0123]

I know you'll really love your new Phoenix. I rode in Russ Lane's new Phoenix at the Elite Series on Pickwick Lake back in April. It handled like a 30' cruiser but we were doing 75mph. It's as the deck space of a barge built on a Cigarette boat hull. When it comes time to replace my BassCat, I'll be looking real hard at a Phoenix also.

[Ham]

When it comes time to replace my BassCat, I'll be looking real hard at a Phoenix also.

Blasmephy!

[Bill Babler]

Love Rick and Ivan down at Kitty Cat Central, and for sure think the Kittys are great boats. They are not this however. I have worked hard to be in the situation I'm in and it has taken me over 20 yrs. to get here. That gives me the opportunity to pretty much have any of the fine quality boats that are out there.

This boat is special. Quality of ride, ergonomic setup, with everything at your finger tips. This boat is a preformance machine. Everything on it makes my job easier.

When I get back from Alaska, I will do a piece on it and show it from the trailer up. Even that is special.

[JEVPhoenixBass]

Glad to see you're so excited Bill about the Phoenix. I have a 721 for sell if you have anyone looking....

J.E.

[Quillback]

Been researching boats myself, Phoenix has a good rep, will definitely be on my short list when it comes time to buy. But I'm looking more in the 18-19' range. Something that will fit in the garage.

[Bill Babler]

Been researching boats myself, Phoenix has a good rep, will definitely be on my short list when it comes time to buy. But I'm looking more in the 18-19' range. Something that will fit in the garage.

Quill, you might take a look at the 719. I just about bought this boat. Maybe everything you are looking for.

For a ride in any of the Phoenix Boats you can contact ;

Greg Wood Regional Sales Manager 417-527-3999 Complete model line

Bill Beck Table Rock Guide Service 417-335-1867 Phoenix 921 Mercury 250 ProXS

Bill Babler White River Outfitters Guide Service 417-332-7016 Phoenix 921 Mercury 250 ProXS

Rick Lisek Phoenix Boats 417-224-5108 Phoenix 721 on hand Complete model line Yamaha Outboards

Going to get with Greg this Fall when it cools off and maybe we can put all these models on one section of the lake and get anyone out in one that wants to see what the Bird Boats are all about.

I'm also sure JE would be glad to give anyone interested a hop in his 721. Just shout at any of us.

[Quillback]

Bill, thanks for the info.