First time on Table Rock with Ned

[Vinsott]

My neighbor has just put his boat at Cricket Creek and we went for our maiden voyage today. Never fished on Table Rock but have been practicing the Ned on the Buffalo River for the past month. First time posting but have been studying on Ozark Anglers for a couple of months. My neighbor doesn't crave fishing like I do so we didn't get to the boat until 11am. Long story short caught a crappie, a couple dink smallies, and a few small kentuckies. The lost about 6 Neds to the Timber and the trolling motor battery died so we quit around 3:30. Saw lots of boat traffic. I was using 6lb mono with 1/15 to 1/8 heads but they didn't have weed guards.

Should I even be fishing these near all this timber? We tried some secondary points, bluffs, and pockets. We went south of Cricket and North, just not sure which side would be better for the Ned. I have caught my biggest smallie on the Buffalo (18.25") with the Ned not too long ago, and definitely have confidence in it.

The trout below my name I caught yesterday from the bank of the White River at Cotter with a Zigjig, which I also learned on here. It was a blast on 4lb line. It was 25", photo taken by wife who missed most of my head in the picture which I now think was on purpose, and then released.

I was really excited this morning and kind of let down this afternoon especially after watching all those Winkerdoodles videos. I guess I need to get weedless jig heads or try not to fish around timber but is that possible on this lake?

Just whining I guess.

[jtram]

I fished shallow on gravel points to the backs of coves today, caught several with one 20" big mouth and a couple 16-17" fish. Im no expert, but it sounds like you were a little too deep for the fish I have caught. Hope this helps maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.

[dtrs5kprs]

I fish it down in dark, nasty places, but that is with a guard. Have not fished one with an open hook for about three years.

The suggestion on depth is sound. Those fish were sure wanting to be shallow, just got pushed out by fronts. Swimming the light heads shallow in coves should be a going deal if they are bedding.

[Vinsott]

Does anyone know where to get the shroom type head with weed guards? All the stores I have looked have way too big of a hook and usually too heavy of lead.

I used to fish all saltwater down in Florida and didn't know if the lake bass were any good to eat? I tried the smallies from the buffalo down the street from me and like them, but throw them back mostly. I didn't really like the goggle eye's I tried from the Buffalo. And the rainbow trout from the White River to me are Okay at best. I did catch a nice walleye from Beaver Lake a couple years ago night fishing and thought is was fantastic.

I have caught crappie from greers ferry a few times and they seemed to be real mushy soft. Like a saltwater sea trout. Do all crappie have that texture? The white bass from greers were a bit stronger but the texture was better.

[motoman]

Does anyone know where to get the shroom type head with weed guards? All the stores I have looked have way too big of a hook and usually too heavy of lead.

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Dtrs above (Dave) is your man. He pours some stellar jigheads w/ the weed guards. Perfect hook size and strength.

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But if you're in a pinch and need them at The Rock. Ozarks extreme kayak and canoe company had Zman heads. They will do. (Shop is at Indian point)

[Vinsott]

Thanks. You mean Dtrs sells them somewhere? And do you think 4lb line is too light for Table Rock?

[Quillback]

Thanks. You mean Dtrs sells them somewhere? And do you think 4lb line is too light for Table Rock?

Send Dtrs a PM, he'll set you up. I like 6# myself for fishing the Ned. And welcome to the site!

[dtrs5kprs]

Vinsott...we are running to a basketball tmt this morning. Will send info when we get back. You shouldn't need 4# on the Rock, unless you just enjoy the challenge. I fish it most of the time on 6# Seaguar, occasionally use 4# in the summer for fun. That is when the banks are covered with 12" brownies. Right now 4# is apt to break your heart.

[Vinsott]

gotcha, and yes I really enjoy the challenge on the lighter line but not if I will lose a lot more fish due to structure and snags. I used to fish for snook in strong current around bridges with 6# when every one used 15-30. would lose fish but it was great to get a 34" fish with finesse and patience.

[motoman]

Thanks. You mean Dtrs sells them somewhere? And do you think 4lb line is too light for Table Rock?

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Dave pours the lead heads with awesome hooks and weedguards. He's put in tons of hours and really has the best heads/hooks for the technique.......not blowing smoke either........and very affordable too.:-)

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You'll get way more bites with 6lb test vs. 8lb; I've tried 4lb and I was not comfortable with how small it was; 6lb test works great for myself and many others. And with properly set drag; you should have no concerns with breaking off. Just check the last few feet of your line occasionally for knicks; then retie if any concerns.