March fishing trip

[Saint Paul Dan]

Me and a buddy are trying to put together a fishing trip for over spring break. We are from Minnesota and are trying to get some fishing in before the May opener here. We are planning on going down to Table Rock march 18-23, but we haven't fished it before. Is this a good time of year to fish Table rock? Or is it still too early? Just looking for any suggestions that people might have regarding specifics on fishing or any other info. It would be much appreciated.

[Fluker]

That is a great time to fish Table Rock. However, keep in mind that Table Rock is a worlds away from the fishing environments we have up here. No weeds at all, very deep, very clear resevoir. I only say this because I've seen many groups travel to Table Rock for this type of trip only to be let down that they didn't catch a ton of fish. Table Rock receives a lot of pressure compared to lakes up here.

Depending on the weather, it should still be a good pre spawn bite there. Jerkbaits may still be going, otherwise crankbaits (wiggle warts), rigs and jigs would all be good choices.

[mamohr686]

You may want to consider going further south. When was in college I went to texas for most of my spring breaks. The lake fork area really takes off about that time. Lake Havasu is also great for bass and stripers. The nightlife/boating can be very exciting and eye-opening too on lake Havasu. half the fun of spring break is seeing some sun!

[Daze Off]

SPD,

If you're willing to wait and go a couple of weeks later I am trying to put together a group to go to Table Rock - this would be my third trip - last year we had two boats and four guys but would love to make it like 6-10 boats. I made a deal with resort owner and he will give us $25/night including dock slip.

It is a totally different type of fishing but very fun and those spotted bass and meanmouth can really pull.

Let me know if you might be interested in something in early April.

Daze Off

[Saint Paul Dan]

Daze off,

That sounds a lot better than what we've got planned, but our trip is going to be dictated by our school schedule. Yeah, still in school after six years so we have to go around March 18th. Do you go every year? and where do you stay on the lake? Definitely interested in hitching along for next year. It would be a little less intimidating with 6-10 boats out there instead of 2. I heard about the spots and meanmouths (smallmouth and spot right?), but doesn't Table Rock have Largemouth too?

I'm thinking about Lake of the Ozarks too.

Dan

[Fluker]

Yes, Table Rock has Largies too.

I would highly recommend Lake Oz. I think it's the hottest lake in Missouri as of the last couple years.

[Daze Off]

SPD,

Yup, last year I managed the Table Rock "grand slam" by catching all 4 species - LM, SM, Spot, and Meanmouth...and it was what turned out to be the last fish that did it (MM).

I would not mind Lake of the Ozarks either but I feel like I am starting to know a little bit about Table Rock and know absolutely nothing about LO....except that it is dirty/stained water where TR is mostly clear except up some of the river arms.

Send me a message at [email protected] and we can chat about TR if you like. I'll certainly share what I can.

Daze Off

[Grant Pearson]

I'd be willing to be part of the group going down. Table Rock and Lake of the Oz are some lakes that are on the top of my list to try.

[Daze Off]

KF -

Love to have you join us! I'll contact you outside of this forum at the address below your post.

Daze Off

[Grant Pearson]

definitely. I would love that.

[Saint Paul Dan]

Fluker

Thanks for your input as well. I think it would be good for me to start fishing patterns that don't always include weeds or a weed line. I've been obsessed with fishing since I was a little kid and I finally took the Initiative to get a truck and boat. Now its time to fish the lakes that I’ve read about and watched people fish on TV. I know it’s probably going to be a bit of a shock when we drop the boat in Table Rock, but you have to start somewhere. On a side note, I’ve read a lot about wiggle warts on Table Rock. Any reason for specifically wiggle warts when cranking? Anyways, thanks to all for the input.

[Fluker]

Hey Dan,

I've been away traveling back to MO for over a week and just getting back. To answer your question, I can only tell you what I've heard. I believe the reason those baits work so well is because of the action. When Rapala first bought Storm, they tested the wiggle warts in there tanks and noticed how "un true" the warts ran. They wouldn't run true. They would jolt and jerk around rather than straight back. So they "fixed" it. Little did they know that those imperfections were the key to the baits success. They've since went back to the original construction and from what I've heard, did a great job.

Now, why they work so well in those Ozarks' lakes and not up here or other places... I have yet to figure that one out!

Fluker

[Saint Paul Dan]

Fluker,

Thanks again for the info. Yeah, I've noticed that there are different "wiggle warts" and that they come in different packaging. I'm guessing the ones that come with the cross-lock snap and in the all plastic packaging are the old ones.Is that right? And are the new ones back to the original construction or do they still sell the "fixed" model? Just trying to make sure before I stock up.

Dan

[river rat316]

They work well up here... in certain situations!

[Daze Off]

Quote:

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definitely. I would love that.

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kingfisher - check your e-mail for a file. Am sending it now.

Daze Off

[Grant Pearson]

okay, will do. Thanks

[Grant Pearson]

Daze off-

nothing yet. don't know if it went through.

[ikeslayer]

Keep in mind fellas there are several spots on the ol miss every year that are open to catching fish. i know personally that pool 4 is open year around and iwth the warm weather that is coming this weekend it would be a prime weekend to head down there. Could be a good weekend even if the water temp rises only a few degrees. Bass fishing may be closer and better than you think