Looking For A New Ramp To Try

[JF660R]

Hello, new member. Been lurking for a while. Been fixing up an old Starcraft and starting to hit the lake. Launched from Shell Knob a few times now with little to no luck regarding fish.

My fishing partner and I are first time boaters (shore fishermen) so really no experience and it shows. Been reading a lot of the great advice on here and read the "March Bass" topic in the tips section and checking out the "TRL Maps" too.

This has me interested in trying some different spots. We just ordered a lowrance

mark 4 fish finder, but sure there will be a learning curve since we've never used one. Still shopping for a trolling motor.

Where should we try launching next? Read a lot about point 15 but idk how much Creek action we can run until we add a trolling motor.

Trying get read up on the a - rig, jika, wiggle wart, etc. Threw a Yumbrella some yesterday but lost it as I knew I would.

Thanks

[Champ188]

My best advice would be for you and your buddy to get together and split the cost of a day with a good local guide. Our moderator here, Bill Babler, is among the best and would go out of his way to help get you pointed in the right direction ... with knowledge of the lake, lures, seasonal patterns and most important, the fish themselves. It would be time and money well spent ... the difference in learning enough to start catching fish now or going months, even years trying to learn it yourself.

[Biglerma]

My best advice would be for you and your buddy to get together and split the cost of a day with a good local guide. Our moderator here, Bill Babler, is among the best and would go out of his way to help get you pointed in the right direction ... with knowledge of the lake, lures, seasonal patterns and most important, the fish themselves. It would be time and money well spent ... the difference in learning enough to start catching fish now or going months, even years trying to learn it yourself.

I'll second this. I've fished with Bill a few times and his knowledge and teachings are worth every penny. I've been fishing Table Rock for 25 years and I "thought" I knew what I was doing until I fished with Bill and realized how clueless I was. Now I go out and catch fish every time and I plan on booking more trips with Bill in the future as it has been a blast each time!

[techo]

ditto.

[motoman]

Agree with all of the above........you will spend FAR less money and time by just hiring a great guide! It's amazing how the little nuances they teach you can make ALL the difference between zero and hero on the water!

[Dutch]

There are lots of ramps. Where do you live?

Bridgeport would not be much different from where you have been launching. It is a long way up the Flat or James to running water.

[JF660R]

There are lots of ramps. Where do you live?

Bridgeport would not be much different from where you have been launching. It is a long way up the Flat or James to running water.

We live in the springfield area but I keep the boat in marionville, hence our typical route down through aurora.

I've seen the "get a guide" response in a lot of threads and that sounds like a great way to get some good knowledge. We're still new enough that just taking the boat out on the lake is half the fun.

Read some other people recommending the Bridgeport area, we'll have to check it out. Looking at maybe Big M as well but I assume there's a fee involved.

Thanks

[Quillback]

Big M is a COE launch, I get the $30 annual pass, which is good at any of the COE launches on Table Rock and Beaver. It's a bargain if you fish a lot.

As the others have said, Bill Babler would be a great guide to spend a day with and learn the ropes.

[JF660R]

So we've made a couple trips to Cape Fair and had some luck.

Also thinking about trying out the Kings River area, is that a COE launch?

Thanks

[Jerry Rapp]

Big M is a COE launch, I get the $30 annual pass, which is good at any of the COE launches on Table Rock and Beaver. It's a bargain if you fish a lot.

As the others have said, Bill Babler would be a great guide to spend a day with and learn the ropes.

this is one of my forever gripes. Thanks Billy Clinton...... Tax dollars paid for the rec areas, now we have to pay to use them.