well said JC. But come on, you can tell me. What is the secret lure?

As Spinner Dave mentioned, When I was speaking of the Smallmouth in the south I was talking about the southern part of Pool 19, not the south in general. In no way is pool 19 even close to what we experience in the LaCrosse area when I come up that way. JC, if I really cared what you thought, I would be offended that you thought I was throwing out some BS. Just given you the business.
Being my home pool I am looking forward to regionals down here but it does concern me with all the pressure we will have throughout the year. Unlike the upper pools there is not a lot of areas that will hold winning fish so the extra tournaments starting in April will make things tough.

Bassman,
Pool 19 has bounced back in the recent past. You may want to look at ILL. Federation results from last year. I think 16.8 was leading after first day. Pool will take a beating next year and by the time BFL is here in October it will be fishing tough. As far as water color goes you can look for cleaner water south of Ft. Madison due to the grass growth, and pad fields. The only benefit to the extra tournaments next year is that the two big ones are here in July and August so the catches should not be all that great, thus leaving more fish for the fall. And Yes, the smallies are here. What used to be a southern pool fish has made its way up the length of the pool, 4.9 is biggest I have caught and it was just in November in the northern part of the pool. Water level will play a factor, but even in low water, the fish will stay in the backwaters, if you can figure out how to get to them.

Paul, This is Dave down in Ft. Madison, IA. I have heard that Bill Frisk may be going down before off limits but I don’t know if he is going with anyone. I have been down twice in May before the All-American last June. 2nd day I drew a local that ended up finishing 5th, told me a few things about the fall fishing Look me up at Prairie. I have fished the river down there several times so I will help any way I can.

Thanks Jeremiah. Fishing was real interesting on the Ohio River. If I don’t hear from you before Prairie I’ll try and hook up with you there. I should be in town by Wednesday morning before the tournament.

Robby,
Get yourself a white #5 Mepps and let it fly. Lake is basically a bowl and you will be fishing riprap. Get there early due to the lot filling fast and parking is at a minnimum. Don’t forget to take a look at the board by the ramp. There should be a little sign stating what time you have to be off the lake. I missed this sign last year and a friendly brush cop was waiting for us when I pulled off the lake. Being from out of town was not a good enough excuse for him to cut us a break. Have also had good luck on a mustard colored tube.

Nature boy,
I was at Lake of the Ozarks this past weekend. Found 48 degree water and the fish were climbing all over wart’s.
It should only get better.

slop bass I know of a couple of boaters that may need a co-angler