Quillback

I've got a 703 and 743 DX, I'm starting to like the longer rods more, better casting distance, more leverage on hook sets. I'm using my 743 a lot more than my 703. 703 is a good rod, just too short IMO. But for you it may be a great rod. On a side note, picked up a 784 a couple of months ago, really liking it for 1/2 oz t-rigs, jigs and Biffle head type jigs. It will work with 3/4 oz stuff also. Hook setting is really god with that long rod.

Can you please post GPS coordinates? I agree, pitching is fun.

A couple of days ago, I saw a monkey run off into the woods with my credit card. Now boxes of tackle are showing up at my door.

I've been looking for a lure that will catch fish "between casts". I guess what they're saying is that when you put it down on the deck, the bass will jump in your boat and grab it. I'll have to see that on video before I'll buy one.

Definitely I would give it back, so would about 99% of the human race. The jackass that took your lure probably has some size issues and has to compensate by being a Richard.

Heard a noise out on my back deck early this morning, went out to take a look and got a glimpse of what appeared to be a monkey disappearing into the woods. Then I saw a note pinned to the deck railing. It said "U neid moor tunstan senkers". Because of the poor spelling, it confirms my suspicions that what I saw was indeed the Bait Monkey. Labor Day sales are approaching

Cool, good luck, BTW keep us informed and we will act as your support group.

I was a pack a day smoker for 10 years. Took several attempts, but finally quit by going Cold Turkey. One motivating factor, as mentioned above, is think of the money you'll save. Once you've quit, you'll realize what a nasty habit smoking is.

I've heard that the night fishing in the White River channel on Table Rock has been good, mainly jigs. The daytime bite has been slow, but there's a good early AM bite and I've heard reports of fish being caught deep. I think Bull would be a good choice also. If you're camping you could stay somewhere in between the lakes or one of the COE campgrounds on the lakes and have access to both lakes. If you have an AR license you can get the White River chain license for $10 and you can fish Bull and TR in MO if you are so inclined.

In addition to all the other good suggestions above, I'd also make sure it's a good quality hook with a sharp point.

No electronics makes off shore fishing tough. I'd think about getting a depth finder. Outside of that, I'd see if I could find a contour map of the lakes I was planning on fishing.

My Revo STX (Gen 3) is being fished, my Shimano 50e is sitting at home.

Zoom, baby, ZOOM!

They are fairly common in Table Rock, it's not unusual to catch one or two a day. But I've never caught one over 2 lbs.

KVD has a lot of experience on St. Clair, He's got a remote chance at AOY, Don't count Martens out either.

Dynamite - It will also clear out all those annoying small fish.

Labor day sales are approaching, I'm managing to fight off the bait monkey until then. But he will win come Labor Day.

Gunfish is a great top water bait. I have fished the Bevy Shad in the winter as a jerkbait. Sometimes it works well, but it is not one of my "go to" jerkbaits. It gets down deep and has a small profile, so when you feel that's needed, throw one.

Yeah they are fragile and expensive, but they do work.

I fish it now and then, tough lake. I might get out there this week if it ever stops raining. I'll probably throw a jig, t-rigged plastics, and have a top water on the deck ready to go just in case. May throw a crank also. Hard to say what's going to work, the weather lately has not been typical August weather.

I like the 893 so much that I have 2 of them. I'd never pay full retail for one however. Unless you just have to have one right away, if you're patient and shop around you might be able to get a deal on one. Make sure you get a receipt and register it for the Wild Card program, NRX's have been known to break.

Labor Day is approaching, a favorite day for the bait monkey.

Rage Craw, Rage Chunk, Paca Chunks in all sizes, Missile Baits Twin Turbo, Zoom Fat Albert, Zoom UV Speed craw, Zoom Critter Craw, Chompers twin tail grub, LOL there's so many good trailers out there.

I like that Denny Brauer craw.

I have c-rigged a 10" Zoom Ole Monster with a 4/0 EWG hook and caught many a bass with that set-up.