Big Bassman

TJ, Was there during week of spring break, March15th-22nd. Fishing was very tough and they were just starting to move up. Didn't catch a lot and biggest was only 5#'s. At that time only caught fish in Wolf Creek arm at all the normal places. Did catch a few at the Grove City bridge on the northeast cove entrance, that's where the 5 came from. Good luck to you, they should really be catching them now. If I can be of any further help just email me.

I have not fished Sugema yet, but plan on it because it looks great and word is it is! I fished Belvedere last spring a couple of times and caught some really nice fish almost 5#. As far as lake Geode goes, I have fished that lake for over 40 years now and taken many large bass there. I wasn't sure how well it would do after they drained and refilled it, but my youngest son and I have been fishing there again the last couple of years and catch 5# fish there regularly. I use to catch 7# & 8# fish out of Lake Wapello near Drakevilles before they drained it but my understanding is it has not made a good recovery like Geode. I spoke with IDNR this week and Lake Darling near Washington Iowa has been filled or almost filled but haven't heard if they will stock any larger fish in it or not. As I said, 40 years ago the Iowa State Lakes were fantastic all across southern Iowa! Good luck to all you Iowa fishermen and gals, spring is now here!

I'll be at Grand Lake O the Cherokees by tomorrow night and spend the week with three of my children and their kids. Go south every spring break for a week with whichever kids want to come along. Still trying to juggle my time for Wilson but it is in my busy season so it will be a last minute decision. Hopefully me and my youngest son (35) will be able to surprise everyone! Hope all you fellas enjoy, Spring is upon us!!

Roland Martin, says a little about my age I guess. In his day he was like a Kevin Van Dam of today. When I was watching the Classic the other day I was really impressed by the interviews Paul Mueller and Randy Howell gave. Both fellas knew exactly who to thank for their success and showed great humility. They appeared to be quality human beings. Congrats to both of them!

Current plans call for 2014: Grand Lake O the Cherokees Mark Twain Lake (2 times minimum) Lake Long Branch Lake Rathbun Lake Odessa (6 or more) Upper Mississippi Pool 9 -15 (multiple trips) Misc. Iowa Local lakes & ponds Probably will fish 70-80 days this year minimum. Will start week of March 17th at Grand Lake and then start hitting small Iowa lakes for the big pre spawn bass. After that I move into seasonal lakes and river, probably end of May until everything is iced over in December.

I have fished this lake several times over the past 30 years, but it has been awhile. Because it has been so long I'm really not sure what baits will produce the best results. In the past I always caught more Largemouth and Kentuckie's than Smallmouth. Let me know how you do I would really be interested.

Touche' Rhino!

I'll..bet..you..do..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately if you read the fine print you must be 65 years of age or older!lol

Will do SF. It's been a colder winter than normal, was down to Palistine Lake in Texas mid December and hit that cold weather and bad ice storm, whole week was shot! When we drove through Oklahoma the highways were covered with thick ice and heavy snow, it was terrible. I'm hoping Cherokee will be much better "spring break" week? Usually I take the boys and their families to Table Rock but wanted to try something different this year. It will be my first time on Cherokee but really looking forward to it! I'll be sure to get back with you.

This year probably none. There has been deep ice cover in the upper Midwest. Me and two of my sons will be at Grand Lake O the Cherokees in mid March and counting on their warm weather this week to continue. You might want to consider south of KC? Good Luck!

I will be at Lake Palestine the week of December 9th with my wife for a little rest and relaxation. If any of our Texas delegation wants to meet with a northern boy (old man now) and swap stories send me a message and we can try to set that up.

Been waiting for this info as well. Will start working at my schedule, it's a very busy time for us. If we can't make it for the whole week maybe 3 or 4 days. I fished Wilson for half a day many years ago. It was cold and I didn't know the lake. The fella I was with was a local and a customer of mine but his heart wasn't in it because of the weather, 0 fish caught. I liked the look of the lake and really want to give it another shot. Thanks to all those responsible for offering this opportunity to the membership!

I live in Iowa and fish as long as the water is not iced over and I can get my boat in and out. Once that happens I begin my trips south, for example I'll be in Texas the first week in December. If you can catch fish through the ice you can catch them in cold water. It is slower fishing and less productive for me, but you can't catch bass setting on the chair watching TV! I have fished 47 years for bass only, but do catch other species occasionally.

My son and I fished pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi last week for 2 days. We fished out of Lansing, Iowa and the weather was great. Fish are starting to move into the shallow bay areas with rock and becoming very active. Water is cooling down but you can still find smallies off main channel as well. Water was + or - 80. We caught 100+ bass mostly largemouth with the average weight 2#. Biggest smallmouth was 3# and largemouth 3.5#. Fish weren't big but healthy, active, and on the feed! Should be a good fall, but be careful of low water level, there was many rock formations just under or at the surface. Get the feel of the area before running hard out of the main river channel. From here on out should get better & better until cold. Fish were hitting shallow cranks on rocks and over weed beds. Northern Pike drove us nuts! Isn't fall wonderful!!

In the old days we used mostly divided plastic boxes and had to replace them every so often as the well juiced worms would break them down. When Plano came out with the water tite boxes I tried those and liked them because they give a real good seal. Now I use them strictly for worms, lizards and some variables. For craws and swim baits I have gone to the new speed bags which I believe some of you already use. I have one big one in orange color for the craw type baits and one in blue for the fluke and swim type baits. They each hold a minimum of 20-24 bags each. This way I can tell at a glance which bag I want to get into. It allows me to leave the baits in the resealbale bags that they come in which with different scents etc. works best. It also allows me to pick and choose when going with someone else in their boat without disrupting my setup too much.

Thanks for this list Glenn, I'm enjoying every one of them!

50# Spider Wire What a great thread!! Where was a site like this when I was youngster and joined up with Ray Scott? Oh yea, no computers!

Structure first, then cover. Cover can be above or below.

My wife and I have been together for 40 years and honeymooned on Table Rock Lake. She wasn't to happy about it and the accomodations at the fish camp weren't great either. She was handy with the dip net when we were dating but didn't fish and never went with me again after we married. Last year I suggested we should spend a little more time together considering we're getting older and asked her to try bass fishing with me again. First time out together she caught several small bass and liked it, probably went with me half dozen times. Now she has her own set of rods and is looking forward to going this season. Can't wait until she ties into a big one like some of the photos in this thread. She will be addicted then! Congrats to all you young fellas who have wives that go with you, it will make for a lifetime of memories!

Congrats Teal!

The reports I read is they currently are catching fish there on jerk baits, wiggle warts, and some jigs. I'll be there for the week of March 11th through the 15th. Probably fishing Kimberling area and James river north of Cape Fair. Maybe I will hear something when I'm there regarding your question.

Very nice hooligan! Congrats!

My choice is a lake/resevoir because I can catch much larger bass on a regular basis. 5-6# is a big river bass, while depending on the location of the lake it is not. I live on the Mississippi River so at least 1/2 + of my year is river fishing and I love it. However, I disagree with some who would say it is the same as lakes, I feel it is much different. I also love resevoir fishing simply because it is different than the river. I fish every week weather permits so I do fish alot. I am always in search of the really big one so naturally I want to put myself in the best place to accomplish it. Different strokes for different folks! All that being said, as long as I'm bass fishing no matter where, I'm really happy.

Average between $3-500 per month with TW & Cabelas. Never miss a sale, but unfortuately buy when there aren't any sales also. I too am very tite with the Bait Monkey. I know I'm addicted like some of you other guy's, but I don't care anymore. If I think I need it, I get it. Love to Bass fish and shoot, both good things. I've been a good provider and figure I can enjoy life in my old age. Look at it this way, we are all keeping the US economy going! GOD Bless America! (Bait Monkey is also patriotic!)

I'll try them for sure, but I agree with previous poster, probably a fad that won't last. Fishermen are always trying to get their baits to run straight!