So, You Want to Catch a Giant Kentucky?

[Bill Babler]

14 minutes ago, Quillback said:

Awesome!  Doggone 4th of July weekend is getting in the way of my fishing, I won't be near that lake this weekend myself.

Looked for you today, thought you might try to sneak one in before the festivities begin like we did.  At one point early and I mean early right around 5:50, we were Ploppering the Viney Swim beach and had a wake boat roll between us and the bank. They were no more than 20' off the dock and boat ramp and you know how shallow that point is. We had to stand and wait till it passed to start fishing again.  It was a purple people eater boat.  They were waking in under 4' of water, with some Country Tart wailing on the mega blasting sound system that was also making little ripples go thru the water.

The opposite point had fish blowing all over it.  Saw at least 4 bass boats run thru dozens of chasing topwater fish to get to some unknown location where there may or may not be a fish.  Good Gosh people, open your eyes, out there.  If you see bass slashing the surface, they want to be caught.  I just have a very hard time understanding.

I'm in full retreat till mid next week.  Good Luck

[Champ188]

Yup, it's mind boggling the things you can see out there. Stupidity is at epic levels in today's society.

[Mitch f]

Bill brings up a good point. You can learn to be a better fisherman by just slowing down and observing things around you. Listening for splashes, watching blow ups, gulls gathering and dropping, and yes, sight fishing. Get yourself a good quality pair of polarized glasses and you will be surprised what's right at the bleeding edge of your vision. Caught my biggest smallmouth to date by seeing it swim with a group of carp about 7-8 ft down.

[johnm]

What a great fishing report! 

[Smithvillesteve]

Great report. Informative as always. I have never fished that deep before. Jeez!! One question for you boys: How are you fishing that Whopper Plopper? I finally broke down and bought one and used it up here at Smithville Lake the other day. Do you guys pop it and let it sit? Kinda like a Pop R? Or do you buzz it like a buzzbait? Or just mix it up and let the bass tell you what they want? Thanks. Stay safe this weekend.

[Bill Babler]

2 minutes ago, Smithvillesteve said:

Great report. Informative as always. I have never fished that deep before. Jeez!! One question for you boys: How are you fishing that Whopper Plopper? I finally broke down and bought one and used it up here at Smithville Lake the other day. Do you guys pop it and let it sit? Kinda like a Pop R? Or do you buzz it like a buzzbait? Or just mix it up and let the bass tell you what they want? Thanks. Stay safe this weekend.

Just like a Redfin, anything you do to help it hurts it.  Throw it out and reel it in.  THATS IT.  Reel it so you hear the constant Plop, Plop.   When one bites it or misses it don't stop or panic, just continue to reel it.  When they get it don't for gosh sakes jerk.  Disaster.  Just lean back on it and reel faster.  If one jumps, pull the fish toward you, don't try and stick your rod in the water to prevent the jump.  Sticking the rod in the water for a couple of feet has absolutely no effect on a fish 60 ft. from the boat jumping on slack line.  Just keep it tight and wind him or her in.

Pretty simple stuff.  It works.

Good Luck

[Smithvillesteve]

Cant thank you enough Mr Babler. One of these days i would really like to come down there and fish with you. How long are you booked in advance? 

[m&m]

Great information from all of you. Bill, the expressions on the faces and the healthy fish tells a wonderful story. Your colorful narrative just adds the right amount of commentary. Well done and thank you. 

Mike

[Bill Babler]

I will tell you all this, and take it to the bank.  On the size 130 Plopper you really must maintain a very constant pressure on a jumping fish to the  point of pulling it toward you as it vaults from the brine.  This is a super heavy bait, very similar to a 3/4 to 1 oz. Football Jig.  When they start swinging their heads with this big bait it has a propensity to come unbuttoned, just from the shear weight of the bait swinging back and forth.  The 90 series is also a fish loser if you don't keep a very vigilant amount of tension on your string.

I will put more hookups in the boat with the fin.  Fin is as light as an egg shell.  Deal is I have never seen a top water bait that fly's as straight or runs as perfect as the Plopper.  It is a dream to fish on a spinning rod for my clients and the fish truly love it.  That is with the exception of white bass.  Yes I will get bit on it sometimes, but it is for sure not their favorite.

You all be safe out there this weekend.

[MOhawghunter417]

Great report Bill. Wish I had gas money to put my boat on the water. These DANG bills keep coming in and since injured my back two years ago I haven't had my boat on the lake but twice. Yes I am bumming but I try to keep a smile on my face.