Now thats a Biggern!

Yes its coming..... the season where you could possibly catch one of the largest fish in the Tri-lakes region. Right here on Tablerock Lake snaggers are getting ready, buying up 50 an 80 lb test line and sharpening the treble hooks that look like anchors (fishermans embellishment).

Paddlefish... yes in also known as Spoonbill can be caught right here on Tablerock Lake. The state record caught not far from my house here on the James River Arm of the lake was 139-lbs 4-ounces.

The spoonbill/paddle they have for a nose looks like Jimmy Durante's ugly sister is called a rostrum which accounts for 1/3 the length of the fish. These creatures have no bones, totally cartilaginous and people love to not only catch them but eat them as well. They filter zooplankton from the water for their food source.

March is the madness and Ive seen them strapped to the side of boats and was amazed. I remember the first one I saw was way back in 1979 on the main lake near the damn. We were water skiing, crossing wakes and trying to act cool with the donut flotation device that looked like a marshmallow weenie tied around your waist. I remember crossing a wake and seeing this huge monster of a fish and wiped out. Ok, Yeah I freaked out but it was worse not only seeing it but now being in the water near it. At only 14 years of age my imagination was running wild with thoughts of sharks.... yes I thought it was a hammerhead shark or something. My dad laughed and you had to know my dad because he was always trying to get us to wipe out as it was. He thought it was funny I wiped out way before he saw me freaking out thinking Jaws was in the water with me.

Jump forward about 20 years and here I am fishing a Capefair tournament with Tate Womack and I think we were fishing with a purple back gray bodiy thin fin or something. Had to have a bit of red on the gill but Im telling you Tate was catching them left and right. I hadnt caught any as i was set on using a rogue but with a speed presentation to cover more water as Tate was doing I gave in and asked if he had any others. I finally tied one of the wierd colored baits on and actually caught a few before the day was over. Moreover the day was memorable because of the boats with guys and their surf rods snagging out on the main channels for these monster Spoonbill. I remember seeing a 16' fish and ski probably and Astro and tied to the side of it was this fish yes a spoonbill it was quite a sight stretched out along side of this boat. Definately got a double take from us. HUGE ... HUGE... Well back to this year. Its coming and if you want to read an article about these James River Monsters go to :http://www.mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2005/02/10.htm

Or

http://freshare.net/article/missouri_paddlefish_get_a_supernatural_boost/

Get off your butt and go fishing or at least visit my ebay store and check out some cool old lures!

Ha ... see you on the lake or catch ya back here!

www.inbranson.blogspot.com

Patience and warm clothes

Right now I know there are alot of guys that get on the cover alls and heavy boots, stocking caps, masks, hand warmers .. .I mean all the gear you can on the cold days and are getting out and catching some slab crappie.

But Im telling you this is the time of year if you are patient enough you can tie into a lunker Bass on Tablerock lake. You have to find the right spot and use one of the custom painted rogues/stickbaits that our locals crank out. It is so worth it when you tie into a 6 plus pound Hawg. You warm up real quick.

Its amazing how on a few of the warmer days I can go down to the bluff below my house and I just drop a worm down 15 - 24 feet at different levels and there will be little slab Kentucky Bass scattered all along the bank. Just a few to fill the frying pan, hahaha and man is that an awesome dinner this time of year. A little chili and corn bread goes great with some fried fish.

Keep your pole in the water and don't ever quit fishin cuz its like the lotto ... if you dont go fishing you wont catch a darn thing!

Just the beginning

Wow, now have been making lures for years and finally finding an outlet that will allow me to make some just for fun. We have been collecting lures and now selling them also. Check out www.TableRockLures.com and we have a store on ebay.

Living on Tablerock sure makes it easy to think about fishing and coming from a family that has spent most of our spare time on the lake it is an awesome outlet for stress.

I will be posting pictures of the lake, lures and just general stuff here around Tablerock Lake. Have a great day and stay tuned.

Paul