Paul and I went to Shell Knob Monday 12/12/11

[luvdmymerc]

Paul finally got over his cold, so we headed to Shell Knob this morning. With as cold as it has been the last 10 days, we really expected the water temperature to be in the mid to upper 40's but instead it was still 52.7*. We couldn't believe it. We were going to try to find the whites out deep with our little white hammered spoons but decided instead to go bass fishing. Needless to say the crankbait bite is still on. We had a blast. Crankbaiting in December, who'd a thunk it.


Paul drew first blood with this chunky little largemouth.





You try getting a crankbait out of a fish's mouth with gloves on.....it ain't as easy
as it looks.....







I love spotted bass. They "save" a whole bunch of trips. There is almost always
a Kentucky bite somewhere on the lake. They are awesome.





Guys....don't miss out on the fun just because its winter. Dress for it, and go
fishin'. It is an awesome experience. We saw 2 big beautiful bald eagles today and last time Ken and I got to see thousands of geese migrating south. The fish are still biting and there is still fun to be had........go for it.




I had a few real nice largemouths eat my "wart" today too. I thought this one was
going to whip me.










As long as a few of these little guys are wanting to play, ........I want to be there.
Come on guys......help me catch these dudes.

[Painter1]

Steve,
Is that a mag wart or a regular? Hoping to get down this weekend.

[luvdmymerc]

Its was just a regular "wart". It was also a stock color. ( I lost the yellow one Andy painted for me.) They ate it pretty good. If I would have had one of Andy's I think I would have caught twice a many. For December, I was thrilled. I hope this warmer weather holds out for you. Channel swings was the key. 12-18 feet depths right on the bank. Crank it down fast and then slow it down and just bump it along. Hit a many rocks, trees, stumps, etc. that you can. When it stops, let it float up for just a second.
They'll crush it just as you start to crank again. Also, slow it down as it starts to climb up the water column to the boat. The change in direction also triggers strikes.

[Richard F.]

My grandparents had a place over at Eagle Rock. Spent alot of time on that end of the lake when I was a kid.I always like seeing the pics you post on here from your trips to Table Rock.Takes me back...

[Painter1]

Thanks, Steve. Boss just told me I wasn't fishing again till 2012

[luvdmymerc]

It will probably be Jan 5, 2012 before I get to go again too. ( My birthday, by the way. )
There is an outside chance I may get to go again before the year is up, but its not likely.