Local Tackle Shops

[NebSchmidty]

Long time lurker, 1st time poster. Wanted to first thank all those who post reports and TR insight on a regular basis... you all have been an invaluable resource to this "northerner" who is about to embark on his 5th annual pilgramage (aka - THE family vacation) to "the rock" and Branson area. TR is worlds away from the sandpits and sub-250 acre flood control reservoirs that I fish regularly, so OZA has been an AMAZING reference to help put me on the path to having a reasonable strategy/approach for landing some fish when I come down... although in October of 2011, I don't know that anything could've helped.

With that out of the way, we plan on heading down April 27th-May 5th and staying at out usual stop which is Stillwaters on Indian Point. Given the unusual weather this year (has the weather really been "normal" any of the past 3 years?), I'm on the fence as to whether to finally pick up a swimbait rod (for a-rig) & stockpile some extra jerkbaits (basically staging/pre-spawn fishing); or should I go ahead and refresh the supply of tubes, grubs, little green worms, & split-tail grub jig trailers (the spawn-is-on bite)? In either case, I'm reluctant to go prematurely spending the extra $ on tackle either way based upon a guesstimate... I would rather just buy at the time that I'm down there and when I know with better certainty just what the fish are more likely to be keying on.

I know BPS in Branson has a fair selection of lures... although one can usually tell what the hot bite is based upon what is out of stock. Does anyone have any local shops they frequent, that are in reasonably close proximity to the indian point area? I've given BPS enough $ over the years, so I would rather spend my cash somewhere local as opposed to the big chain store that is usually out of stock of what I really want. Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[dtrs5kprs]

Unless I have missed one (I hope not ), the next closest shop is in Kimberling City. Ozarks Bait & Tackle is right across 13HWY from Harter House grocery store.

***Local Q...did Mark get his shop sold? Heard he was trying to sell with the highway change coming through.

I sure hope they are pulled up by the end of April, maybe not solid on beds but getting there. Think there will still be plenty of them staging then. Expect the A-rig and stick to be slowing down some. Stick will usually catch some, but I would not stock up. Your plastic plans sound about right if they are up. Throw in some senkos, shakey heads, finesse rig parts (split shot/mojo weights and stops), football jigs. You can throw an a-rig or a big single swimbait on a stout 7' rod like a FB jig rod. Who knows on the topwater? Bring some spooks and redfins in case. Have given up trying to predict that one after the last couple of years. 2010 was awesome for it.

Other option would be to stop in Springfield on the way down. Fin & Feather is just south of BPS. You will get better lake info in Kimberling though. Feel free to shoot me a PM. Will be in Kimberling when you are coming in. Will have close to 2 weeks in by 4/27.

Am sure I missed a shop, and please let me know about it. Really, I need a support group.

[Billfo]

I second that "Kimberling City. Ozarks Bait & Tackle"... I was very pleased to see they carry about everything "I" like to use.. If its sold there- you can use it on Table Rock !! You can usually see some locals sitting at the table when you walk in. So far so friendly. I wouldnt waste the trip to Bass Pro- so much stuff. "Kimberling City. Ozarks Bait & Tackle" is an awesome store AND they have a website of you want to look around..(see link) Good luck ! Billfo

http://ozarksbaitandtackle.com/

[Bill Babler]

BP at Branson is the dead sea. We have talked to them time after time to stock products that are relivent to our local fishing and they just tell us they cannot sell it. They stock stuff for tourist, cause it sells. Cannot blame them. Best for sure in Springfield is Sportsmans Outfitters and Fin and Feather, for locat knowledge and everything Table Rock. Mark is also still open at Table Rock Tackle and Marine. Another 0ne which is the best in the area, is Rock Springs Tackle at Harrison Arkansas They also have Ark Rod company there that makes a huge ammount of Falcon Rods, and other custom fishing equipment. You will not find a shop with this much stuff outside of Springfield. This is about 25 minutes south of Branson on 65 HWY.

Lots of great resturants in Harrison, so it is a nice drive for Lunch and to pick up a goodie or to for your fishing pleasures.

Good Luck

[dtrs5kprs]

Thanks Bill. Good to hear (I guess, unless that is not good news for him), that Mark is still up and going. Didn't we lose a tackle shop in Reeds Spring when the first highway project cut them off? Reeds Spring Bass Pro?

I have still not been to Sportsman's physically. Never seem to be going through when they are open. Good pricing and have ordered from them via eBay.

Completely with you on BPS at Branson. Have given up even looking, and just go back to Springfield if I can't find something from Rich or Mark. Will have to look up the Harrison shop if we go through to Flippin again this year. Several good shops in Mtn Home.

[Diamond City Fisher]

If you are in the Lakeview, AR area Big Reds Tackle is a great place keyed into Bull Shoals fisherpeople.

I agree about the Branson BPS. It's just for tourist. The last 3 times I've been there BPS did not have the everyday supplies I needed like a winch strap and some very common lures.

[dtrs5kprs]

If you are in the Lakeview, AR area Big Reds Tackle is a great place keyed into Bull Shoals fisherpeople.

I agree about the Branson BPS. It's just for tourist. The last 3 times I've been there BPS did not have the everyday supplies I needed like a winch strap and some very common lures.

You just cost me more money. AR is where I like to smuggle the good colors of tubes home from. There is a little convenience / tackle shop going out of Mtn Home that has a ton of good tubes. Name escapes me. Good thing for me Schneider's rods wasn't open when we went through last year.

[Jacob W]

Is it cranefield junction?... At least that's what it used to be called...

[dtrs5kprs]

Might be. I have a business card from there tucked away somewhere. Tucked it pretty well apparently .

[NebSchmidty]

Thanks for all the responses on this. We usually run into Branson West for our initial grocery run, so buzzing down to KC & Ozarks Bait & Tackle should be pretty convenient. Looks like they've got a pretty good selection based upon their website.