Toledo Bend

[Champ188]

On 2/13/2024 at 4:23 PM, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I did catch em here and there prior to the virus but nothing like trips LOZ.  I would visit friends in Gravois and get out early and beat the banks.  Jigs, spinnerbaits, tx rig worms and catch fish.  I sure haven’t duplicated that on T rock.  

Snagged, I don't know anything near what Bill does about both lakes, but to me there's one big difference in TR and LOZ, and that is fertility. Lots of old septic tanks and field lines very close to the LOZ lakeshore can help "fertilize" the lower end of the food chain (plankton, etc.) and keep a fishery happy and healthy. There's also a LOT more shoreline cover at LOZ than TR, helping hold some of those fish closer to the banks. 

But I've had my butt kicked by the best of lakes and LOZ is no exception. That lake seems to me to be one of those that you have to find "the pattern within the pattern within the secondary pattern" and if you miss one little ingredient, you might as well be trying to write an algorithm in kindergarten. If you get all the pieces to the puzzle put together on the right day, it'll reward you handsomely.  

[Champ188]

On 2/14/2024 at 5:54 AM, Ham said:

I bought FFS for crappie fishing. I want to see how it benefits me when looking for White Bass too.

Im still wrapping my mind around the fact that guys aren’t going to be using seasonal patterns and appropriate seasonal techniques combined with finding spots to catch the best limits of 5 over the 1-2-3-4 day events. 
it’s not for the better. 

Ham, I think you and I share a love for at least attempting to use our noodles to locate and catch fish. Not saying you don't have to be smart to catch em scoping, but if I had to sit out in the middle of the lake staring at a computer screen 12 months out of the year, I'd just sell out and spend more time on the golf course. 

Instead, Donna and I are picking up and retiring back to Hot Springs Village in a couple of years. Population is more than 80% retired and there are 11 recreational lakes (the biggest is just over 1,000 acres) that are full of fish. Gated community and heavily patrolled by police, so little chance of sneaking in and fishing. Lived there for 14 years and can't wait to get back. Stay off my lawn. 

[Bill Babler]

James everything you said was spot on about LOZ. 

Those fish can get glued on a certain thing up there. You might have 50 guys fishing the same bait, but several guys just targeting different stuff and they probably all catch fish, but those several that are on the right deal or lake section just mash them. 

LOZ has everything. One of the greats.