What to Bring...

[Wilcox]

This spring will be my first trip to Table Rock. We have a group of guys from the north that love to bass fish and are coming in search of a good time. I am not coming until April, but I'm starting to prepare already. I have read many articles so far and still have almost no clue on what to bring.

I have read of people having success on Smithwick Rogue Jerkbaits along with X-raps. Purple back is what i have read to be a must have along with Natural shad colors as well as white. There are many sizes and depths ranges of those baits so, What should i bring?

Carolina Rigs are a go to rig for most bass fisherman, What about Table Rock? One of the best plastics i have found to use with them is either a zoom brush hog, or just a plasic worm of various styles and colors. Watermellon, pumpkin, and black are some of my go to colors. Will they work?

Jigs are one of my biggest producers all season. I have read a lot about the Jewel football jigs being used on TR. Why those over others? I have have used the Jewel Eakins jigs with much success. PB&J is one of my best colors along with pumpkin, and black/blue. Should I be investing in some football jigs for the trip? and if so what colors?

As far as rods go there is no way i can bring them all. For sure I am going to bring my med. action spinning rods, but i am not sure if i should throw in my casting gear or not. There are times around home when i use a heavy action rod with super braid line. Will anything like that be neccesary on TR?

Any information would be much appreciated. I am looking forward to the trip, and just want to be prepared to make the best use of my time. If there is anything that i must have that i have left out please let me know.

[Dutch]

It would take a book for a total reply so I will only respond to a few things. I like football head jigs on TR because I lose fewer of them than other styles in the rocks. Any of the baits you mentioned will be potential producers. I'd bring more bait casting equipment and less spinning if it were me.

BTW: What part of the lake will you be on? Will you bring boats?

[MOBass]

I would bring a crankbait rod, couple of spinning rods for swimming a grub, shakey head or split shot, a rod to fish jigs or a rig with, and a jerkbait rod. I'll throw a spinnerbait also from time to time so you could throw that it also.

[Ham]

If you have to get some fish might i suggest dynamite, a hoop net, scuba gear and a spear gun, a crank phone, or Rotenone.

I have fished Table Rock a few times now and I find it a difficult lake to catch fish on. Spots that look so good give up soooo little.

Culture shock for me. Very different from the mud holes I usually fish.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Do a search for information at that time period. Bill Babler and others post up information regularly. TR can be tough, as Ham pointed out.

[twosets]

Under the topic "Table Rock Article" there is a spring bass fishing one by Bill Babler. Read it and then watch this section for reports as you get closer to your trip.

Look at the maps provided here or get a good map of the area that you are going to fish.

Good luck

George

[Wilcox]

Thanks so much for all of the input. With each reply it gives me a little better idea of what to bring and how to go about fishing the lake. Without your input the trip would be a bust. Any additional info you have is needed.

[chub minnow]

I have fished Table Rock my whole life and it can be very tricky to even get bit. I have always had luck fishing on big points where tributaries come in such as the Kings River. If you want to ensure catching fish make sure you are using a good fish finder to reduce the amount of time "looking" for fish. Also, if the largemouth bite is slow, often you can hookup with spotted or smallmouth if you change your tactics.