Truman Lake Tournament

The Truman tournament yesterday was tough for everyone. I managed 20th place and moved up 6 places in the overall standings. Next up is a 2-day event at Lake of the Ozarks and pending a respectable finish I will be moving on to the Regional Championship at Kentucky Lake!

I want to give a special shout out to Buzzard Rock Resort and Marina on Barkley/Kentucky Lakes for all of their support. Without them, I could not do everything that I do! This is a great place for anything from a weekend fishing trip to a fun-filled family vacation to a group fishing tournament. Check them out!

Tournament Results

Finished 5th in the Bassmaster Weekend Series tournament at Stockton!  I caught my fish on an Accent Scooter Jig and the Whiskey River Bait Whiptail using US Reels!

Fishing Tip of the Week

The spawn is over in many areas and it's time to go to work.  Many people will tell you that post-spawn conditions make it tough to catch fish because they are not feeding after the rigors of the spawn.  Actually, just the opposite is true.  They are, in fact, feeding to recover from this activity.  The fish will be more spread out with some in the shallows guarding fry and others moving out to deep ledges.  This is the time of year to fish your favorite technique because the fish will be there.  This is also the perfect time to practice techniques that are your weak point because the fish are spread everywhere.  Take advantage of this time of year to do something you consider your weakness and you will be well on your way to making it your strength.  Be safe on the water and go catch 'em! 

Fishing Tip of the Week

This is a wonderful time of year.  Turkeys are gobbling, mushrooms are popping and the spawn is getting into full gear.  With the full moon and after the passing of this front, it is time!  Get out on the water and focus on shallow water fishing.  Remember that on any given body of water, there are going to be temperature and water clarity fluctuations.  The upper arms typically warm faster due to overall shallower water and tend to be more stained from inflowing sediment.  Conversely, the areas near the dam will normally have clearer water with lower temperatures.  Use this to your advantage because not all fish spawn at the same time.  Depending on the water temperature, day and weather conditions, you can fish different areas of a lake to find fish.  If you are fishing near the dam and the water is still a little cool then head up lake and you will normally find warmer water.  If you are fishing in the back of a creek in an upper arm and the water is too stained, then move downstream.  Always remember to pay attention to the weather conditions because storms can pop up quickly this time of year and provide hazardous conditions.  Be safe and go catch 'em!

Fishing Tip of the Week

Fishing is excellent right now. Keep in mind that with the ever changing weather this time of year, that each day can be a little different. The fish are feeding heavily and preparing for the spawn. Depending on the size of the body of water and exact geographical location, the fish are in various stages of the spawn. As soon as the water temperature gets into the low-mid 50's they will be found shallow and low-mid 60's triggers the spawn. Keep in mind, as I mentioned, the day to day weather conditions. The fish will be shallowest on days when the water is the warmest and will require fairly steady temperature conditions prior to getting into full spawn mode. The temperature has to be steadily warm enough for the eggs to incubate. Get out there and catch 'em!!

St. Louis Boat and Sportshow

I will be at the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow all weekend. You can find me at the Dupo Marine Booth #3505. Come on by and purchase a Skeeter and/or some US Reels. I'll see you there!