Final preparations

[mrcold]

Hey guys, I just got a tackle box put together specifically for this trip. I guess I've got a bit too much time on my hands and I'm getting pretty excited. I think I have my most important item for the trip...my rainsuit. I'm gonna plan on having one light action rod with 8 lb floro and a shakey head/finess worm, one medium/light with 8 lb mono and set up with a dropshot, a MH rod with 20 lb. spiderwire and a walking bait, and a M with a DT-6 or wiggle wart.

I have the TR map and since I'm in a new area this trip, marked my map up with the spots I found on this site. Per the advice I've been reading, I'll probably start out looking for transitions between gravel/chunk or bluffs/chunk, preferrably with some timber around. The plan is start the mornings on top with poppers and walking baits...then once that slows, go to either split shot or shakey, and maybe do some cranking, too. Last resort, I'm gonna be working some drop shot, hopefully building some confidence in it since I've used it a limited amount. I'd love to swim some grubs, but don't really know how to go about it or where to start, so I may skip that unless I get really desperate.

And advice, criticisms from the pros? Thanks for any help, I'll try not to bring all the tornado weather we've been having down there with me.

[rps]

Looks like you have been reading and thinking about the posts here. I think you need just one more reminder. While you are here, please, enjoy yourself. Look at our marvelous Ozarks. Eat someplace great every evening. Sleep well. And when you go home, think about how lucky you were to be here this year. Then plan next year's trip.

[captmac]

Amen to that rps,,, by all means enjoy your self and give us a repport on the fishing when you return

[whats bitin']

Fished Friday night, caught 1 fish between 3-7pm. after 7pm caught a 5 lb +, 2 in the 4's several in the 3's, nice smallie and lots at 15inch. Quit at 11pm, only caught one 3.lb after dark. fished sat. morning at 10am, caught 1 over 3lbs, slowed after that, quit at 1pm. still fishing texas rig, lots of guys are throwing spinner baits, which would be a good idea in about 2 weeks in my opinion, but now a little early as shorts like to chase the blade. just my opinion.

FYI, a little encouragement for you new guys to the lake, i struggled here for 2 years solid before i started catching fish. key is to keep trying and talking to people.

good luck