ks cranker

For whatever reason, the massive surface attacks on the shad didn't seem to happen this morning. The wind was up a little so that probably had a lot to do with that. Caught a lot of fish, but didn't really have anything of any size. Found one area that was full of bass up to 14" that loved to hit every topwater bait I threw at them. Tried to replicate that on other areas, but seemed only that one spot was of full of bass. I haven't spent any time flip the willows... guess I should try that at some point. Might make it out there on Monday...

I'll add to another keeper smallie that was caught - 7/31 - 19" 3.3lbs - It was a major fighter! Going out tomorrow morning to hopefully catch a few fish... Sure wish the weather would cool down!!

Hey Guys - I want to look into throwing Hair Jigs (craw imitator, not Float and Fly/minnow style) specifically for smallies. Seems like there are way too many choices to make. Can someone point me in the right direction. Also, do you normally use a trailer, if so what are some to try? I typically fish for reservoir smallies if that makes a difference. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

I've got tomorrow off. Thinking about heading to WyCo. Anyone have any tips on what has been going on out there lately? Seems like everytime I go I catch a few here and there, but haven't been able to find any sort of patterns. Mainly looking for smallies, but whatever wants to bite is fine with me!

What sort of weights have you been getting at Wyco? I'm going to hit Melvern Saturday morning myself. I'm planning on getting there way before sunrise... hopefully I'll be rewarded with some big ol smallies! When are you thinking of going?

Nice Smallie!!

Looks like a Lucky Craft Stacy King Jerkbait....

Does Cedar Lake have a boat ramp? KDWP says no, but I see in your picture looks like they must have one?

Could be a lot of things going on. I use finesse jigs most the time too (BassX Jig - 15lb flouro - Shimano Cumara 7'2" MHF). One of the biggest things that I've done to help land most the fish I hook anymore... Loosen the drag so that you can pull the line with just a little bit of effort (not sure how to quantify that, but a 2lb fish should be able to take some drag) - I do this so I can keep the rod bent 100% of the time you are fighting the fish - if the fish has any slack line he will always will throw the jig - Also you can rip the roof of the fishes mouth if he is just skin hooked Could also be how you are playing the fish at the boat... for that, it just takes practice! So next time you are out - Look how the fish has the jig in the mouth... if he is getting hooked deep in the roof of the mouth see if you have any tearing going on.

Nearly all the lakes around this part of Kansas are great crappie lakes. Melvern seems to be hot this year (about an hour away). Hillsdale, Clinton, Lake Olathe... truly all the lakes are good for crappie... wish the bassin was as good as the crappie fishing is... The KDWP website will show all the lakes around. When he gets up here and figures out what lakes he wants to hit let us know... Another place to look is Crappie.com forum they break topics down by state... lots Kansans over there...

Is that the name of a book?

Another good read for Smallmouth addicts is Billy Westmoreland's Them Ol' Brown Fish. Anyone else got any other recommended Smallmouth books to share?

Yes, but I haven't been to there site. I'll have to take a look. Thanks!

Do you have a link to that "BBZ- for the tourney or non tourney angler"?

All the ones I have came with a split ring. Must be something with the newest models. Seems like there are always differences between years or batches...

I don't think there is anything wrong with asking him to do these tournaments. I don't think you need to do anything more then split all expenses with him, but I'm sure he'd like it if you paid for the one time fee. He knows you don't have a boat, so that would go without explaination...

Borntofish55 How did the fishing go?

Nice fish! Did you measure him?

I've got some 5/8 oz Tru Tungsten Peter T CRig weights, they are black. I'd sell them for $7 a pack plus shipping... [ftp]http://www.fishermanschoiceproshop.com/product/Tru-Tungsten_Tru-Tungsten-Carolina-Weights/ST-20788[/ftp]

It would be $82 for non resident boat and fishing (no trout) - cash only...

Never been to DH, so don't have any suggestions to you. But just because it's in the sticks doesn't mean they are still using Pradco Spinrites...

LOL, that made me laugh!

I've read that if you contact Megabass USA they will offer a discount on replacements. I guess Megabass USA is more a importer/distributor of Megabass, so MUSA doesn't feel too obligated to fully replace the broken/faulty product... I've got one that cranked about 1/3 inch from the tail end of the bait. Seems like this year a lot have broken... not sure if it's more people using them or they actually changed how they made them... Let us know what you find out...

Not sure what lakes require the Johnson County Lic other then Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek. Those two are run by the County and not KDWP... Also have to have a special tag for the boat at those two lakes...

Nice Log. Now if you will just plot where you got the keepers on a map for us... lol!