Shell Knob

Fishing

Table Rock Lake Fishing Report – Report date: 5/4/12

Water level = 914.7’ – Stable                   Water Temperature = 68.3° to 70.8°

      In my April 30^th post, I noted that: “The 2012 Bass Pro Shops Central Open ended yesterday (May 29^th) and the winning angler was throwing a phantom green Wiggle Wart, and a Strike King 6XD in the 13’ to 20’ range.  A similar pattern was used in the BASS Elite victory last week on Bull Shoals, so this is an option you/I should definitely be exploring.”

      Since I haven’t thrown a crank bait since the late prespawn period, and heeding my own advice, I threw one yesterday almost exclusively.  The results: 6 bass of which 3 were keepers, the largest being almost 4 lbs.  These were all caught in the 6’ to 10’ range in coves on and within 50 yards of secondary points.  I was throwing a foxy shad medium Switchback Shad which runs 10’ to 12’ deep.

      Just to verify my pattern/results from Monday were still good, I also briefly threw a Carolina Rig on  secondary points.  It is working and I believe this pattern will hold indefinitely.  I baited the rig with a Zoom Brush Hog and a 6” Zoom lizard.  The lizard color was watermelon and chartreuse and the Brush Hog, watermelon with orange flake.   

      As noted in the previous report: “The bass are definitely in a post spawn stage now and, in the creeks and coves, seem to be in the 6’ to 10’ level.  With the shad spawn in high gear, I fully expect the coves and creeks to remain active for the next week to 10 days.”

      One last item, prior to going out, rig a few rods with the baits you think you will be using so they are easily accessible when you encounter different conditions.  On any given day, one bait may be more effective than another, so you need to try an assortment of rigs or combinations to determine the “soup déjouer”.

     This is a great time to be on the water so grab your friends and gear and enjoy these great fishing conditions.

      Good luck and be careful out there.  
      See you on the water. 

 Tony Noland ® www.fishtablerock.com