Table Rock Lake Fishing Report For May 9Th. 2012

[Bill Babler]

Point 22 Area

Dave and I hit the pond at 5:45 this morning and ran right into a topwater swrae. Dave is particular about his gear and had wanted me to rig a fin on his 7' loomis spinner. He has a Shimano Stella and had it spooled with 8 pound trilene. I hesitated to put my modified high dollar Fin on such a light rig, but he told me he had caught and had no trouble with Northern Pike up to 28 pounds on it.

Like a fool, I put it on for him as the customer is always right."Right." First fish was a monster and it took the fin about the time it hit the water. Crazy deal. It pulled drag, and came unbuttened. The fin floated to the top and it or another monster slammed it again and it came off. Dave reeled it to just off the boat and the Big Blackie, I'm guessing at 7 pounds up, snapped the Fin and 8 inches off the Loomis rod and was gone, right at the boat.

The explosion was massive and the fish threw water into his face for spite while breaking the rod and stealing the fin. I told him that gear was no match for post spawn Table Rock Monsters, and he believes me now.

Topwater fish bite was over on the high blue by 8 AM but the fish suspended on the no breeze day and made it tough.

Right before we quit at Noon, they finally hit the bottom and we caught some jig fish.

Enlarge this pic, and tell me I am using the wrong jig. I have never seen anything so closely matched.

Pretty good day with 9 keeps and 30 fish to the boat. Biggest was a 30 pound carp that ate my 7" swimbait clear down.

Buster had one at least that big last week.

Good Luck

[dtrs5kprs]

That is the same color craw I saw in my live well, with maybe just a bit less green. Pics of the jig stuck to a fish show you are throwing the right color, or right enough.

Tough deal on the Loomis. They are usually pretty stiff for running a reaction bait. Like my good old fashioned 96% blanks for that.

[Jason Essary]

Bill, codos for you doing what the customer wanted you to do, even when you knew it wasnt a good idea. Sorry for losing the fin, but as for his rod, maybe he will learn for next time. Listen to the guide, they are on the water everyday for a reason. Thanks for the pics of the craws.

[Martin]

Neat story Bill ! Sorry about the loss, but still a neat story.

[denjac]

Might have been a differant outcome if he had 8 pound maxi on. That was a little light though. Glad the jig bite is getting better, I will be there Thurs night and give it a whirl Friday.

[Bill Babler]

Denny, I don't think it would have made a flip. She hit him short right as he was getting ready to pull it out of the water and I saw her coming. I was watching the fish and the fin, and the fin disapeared about 6" from her, she just sucked it completely gone. As she did, she turned and dove. It was all over for the rod, line and fin at that point, she kicked his A==. Sad point is we lost a 7+ pound bass " She will Gag on that fin. No way she will get rid of those Death Traps." and a $ 20.00 Redfin.

These big ole girls are out there now and ready.

[Guest]

I've never fished a redfin properly and have a hard time making them wake.

However, braided line would be in order for that size buckethead.

I would have hated to see that unfold.

What size and color redfin do you like? Also, would you tweek the hooks or use a feather treble?

Gotta buy some of those football heads in the Babler Craw!

[motoman]

Great report as always bill..... Sorry about losing that fin though......definitly a heartbreaker.:-(

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You mentioned throwing 7" and 9" swimbaits........myself, a couple years ago down there, I was able to get into a good swimbait bite......and always have one tied on now!:-)

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Just out of curiosity; you care to share some of your favorite swimbaits?:-)

[tmoney]

As always thanks for the post Bill! I took your recommendation and ordered several of the jigs you recommend and I'm excited to get them and try them next week on the rock! I always fished spooks or poppers but I see u like fins so I bought one and I can't get it to wake for nothing. I'm going to try the bigger treble and feather in the back along with a few weight dots like u mentioned and see I that helps.

[Quillback]

I am jealous of that 30# carp!