Shell Knob, White River area of the Lake

[Bill Babler]

Really, all I can say about Shell Knob, is toss something in the water, and they will bite it.

Nice females of all three varities are loading on main lake points and cove mouths. Any of these places with a bit of pole timber to boot seem to make them magic.

Inside coves and secondary points are holding lots of Bucks, but it seems like the majority of the big girls are on the main lake.

Fish are ranging in depth from 1ft. to 30 ft. with lots suspended and willing to either eat that C-tail grub or gobble up that suspending rogue.

Also had a really good bite, dragging a Dr. in about any of the above depths.

It was so good, that I stayed and fished an extra hour after my guide trip.

Went down one windy bank and had 6 really nice keepers with the best 5 at about 17 lbs.

Water temp at the start at Shell Knob Bridge was if you can believe this 47.9.

When I put my boat on the trailer at the ramp at 1:30 it was 50.1. Water temps in this area 3 weeks ago were pushing high 60's and in one spot I found 69.

The only think I didn't try was topwater, sluggo's or foating worms. I know they had been on these baits, but they seem to have pulled out a mite since a couple of weeks ago. I did see a couple of chasers in that 50 to 90 foot range on top. They were in the top of the water column chasing however and that would really not count as working a shoreline topwater.

Be careful with these sows, as they are so full of eggs, they are ready to burst. If they deep swallow the split shot rig, just cut it off, don't try and extract the hook, they will be fine, as long as you don't stick pliers down their throat or try to get your hook back.

We have fine high water, and I believe we are going to have a teriffic spawn with all the bushes and timber in the water. Be gentle with them and in the next several years, we could be getting back to pre-fish-kill days.

Lots and Lots of Big Largemouth Females on the main lake White River, and we just ain't seen that in a spell.

[Phil Lilley]

Where's the camera I bought you?!

[Bassaholic]

Really, all I can say about Shell Knob, is toss something in the water, and they will bite it.

Nice females of all three varities are loading on main lake points and cove mouths. Any of these places with a bit of pole timber to boot seem to make them magic.

Inside coves and secondary points are holding lots of Bucks, but it seems like the majority of the big girls are on the main lake.

Fish are ranging in depth from 1ft. to 30 ft. with lots suspended and willing to either eat that C-tail grub or gobble up that suspending rogue.

Also had a really good bite, dragging a Dr. in about any of the above depths.

It was so good, that I stayed and fished an extra hour after my guide trip.

Went down one windy bank and had 6 really nice keepers with the best 5 at about 17 lbs.

Water temp at the start at Shell Knob Bridge was if you can believe this 47.9.

When I put my boat on the trailer at the ramp at 1:30 it was 50.1. Water temps in this area 3 weeks ago were pushing high 60's and in one spot I found 69.

The only think I didn't try was topwater, sluggo's or foating worms. I know they had been on these baits, but they seem to have pulled out a mite since a couple of weeks ago. I did see a couple of chasers in that 50 to 90 foot range on top. They were in the top of the water column chasing however and that would really not count as working a shoreline topwater.

Be careful with these sows, as they are so full of eggs, they are ready to burst. If they deep swallow the split shot rig, just cut it off, don't try and extract the hook, they will be fine, as long as you don't stick pliers down their throat or try to get your hook back.

We have fine high water, and I believe we are going to have a teriffic spawn with all the bushes and timber in the water. Be gentle with them and in the next several years, we could be getting back to pre-fish-kill days.

Lots and Lots of Big Largemouth Females on the main lake White River, and we just ain't seen that in a spell.

Hey Bill,

I'm new to the forum and I need some help. I'm meeting up with a group of guys from my church down on the James River arm. We've been coming down and staying at Bridgeport for several years.

I talked to a few of the guys that have been there for a few days and they aren't having much luck.

Do you have any suggestions that could help us put a few fish in the boat with this cold front being a major factor?

Thanks for any help!

[Bill Babler]

Battery was down, do too cold temps. Catch it before long, as I do need some new pic's.

Guys, my reports are just about as explisite as I can make them without casting for you. I will do my best, and I think I do, but there is a line I simply cannot cross. I have to live here and these guys are my friends.

Read my post and ask questions, if you want. I may or may not answer, or if I already have I will direct you to previous post.

Earlier post stated, that I have not been up the James much this year. NONE.

I will make this statement. Most people that fish that far up the river, are there for a reason. That is crappie and white bass country. Also at the correct time spoonies. There are really nice largemouth up there also, if you are good enough to catch-em.

I for the most part am not, nor are the majority of my clients. That area is percession cast rock, chalk, and it just dosen't work for the most of us.

Topwater early floating worm, or sluggo, PBJ Jig, and spinner bug. Probably also some crankbait fish, or a wig. My post the last few days have told you where the fish are. They are at the same place up the James.

I am absolutely not a power fisherman, I am a finess guy and for that matter, I have never guided a really good powerfisherman in all my years of fishing. I have fished with tons, including Bill Beck and Dan Langley.

Right now the heavest line I have spooled is 8 Lb. Spoke to several of the other guys and for the past month, lots of them are fishing 4 lb. One really good guide also said he is swimming his grub on some 2 lb. segar. Lots more bites not so many fish unless your really good. He is!

This time a year a few years ago, Buster Loving on two consective years won Pro-Am's using 4 lb. and catching huge smallies fishing a 3 inch swimming minnow on this lite thread. He is good and everyone knows it. A clear water genius.

I am fishing for large numbers of catchable fish, we hope a good one or two thrown in. Most times up the James you are not going to get that. Sure the pay for play boys can run up there and catch some big ones. They are trying to make 250 to 300 presentations in an an 8 hour day to get 10 quality bites.

They never sit, they never eat, they never rest.

The largest part of our guide clients want to have a cheese burger in one hand a diet coke in the other and the fishing rod sitting at their feet with one foot on the $250.00 rod.

It is a complete different world from competitive fishing. However, everyone has read the report of Tim Sainato, Bill Beck or Kelley Powers catching 5 fish that weighed 24 lbs. with a 7 pound kicker. And thinks on their yearly 1 day of fishing trip that is what they should come up with. They failled to notice that the tournament had 175 boats and 100 of the boats blanked with guys that had prefished for a week and had spent thousands of dollars on equipment as well as hours on the water and still didn't get em.

Accually very few have those thoughts in mind, but some do.

Today for example, I had a 11 year old a 70 year old and a 40 something, that I am telling you, were the nicest people in the world I had a great time on the water with them, and loved every minute. If we had been up the James we would have blanked.

On the main White River we caught lots of fish and very good quality, do soley to shear numbers of fish per acre and the willingness of the K's and the Smallie's.

I absolutely love gin clear water. I am a main lake fisherman that If possible I want to see the bottom in 20 ft. of water. Most all my reports are clear water related as when fishing clear water on the White River, you are including Spotted Bass and Smallies, along with the Largemouth.

When you move very far up the river systems, you are taking away way too many fish and becoming way to specialzed. You are Hunting Big Largemouth.

Some folks love to hunt and try and catch the big-en's. Most guide clients just want to catch one.

I haven't been up to Bridgeport. Good Luck up there however, I am sure some of the others that have fished that area will post.

[Fishin' Freak]

Thanks again Bill for another excellent post. Very well stated.

[Bill Babler]

Frekie, we still haven't gotten out, but I have not forgot ya. I promise we will go!!

Always great too see you on the forum, get out there, and get em.

[Fishin' Freak]

I have been way to busy lately with work but I am fishing Sunday all day. I am headng to KS to hunt turkeys in the snow Saturday (I think I am losing my mind). I have a small derby I am fishing Wed. out of Mill Creek sponsored by the Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Springfield. I have to get out and find some before then!!!!

[J.E.]

Give me a call Bill, if Freaky is too busy I'll take his slot!

[Bill Babler]

You'll have to drive, so I can take a real first hand look at that 967. I have found out I am never too old to learn.

Good fishing boys.

[twosets]

The question is Bill, were they biting so good that even I could have caught one if I wasn't talking?

Thanks for the report, Dad had some minor surgery last week and did great with it, I am going to chase them that way as soon as I can. Have to get these gardens in shape first.

Take care

George