Josh and Jim Schnable Smash 19.95 Pounds to Win Anglers in Action Tournament

Today 130 boats took out of PB2 in big winds, 15 MPH w gust to 30 MPH and 30 degree temperature, yes a bit chilly.  The field of teams spread out all over the lake from up the river, way up the big creeks (Niangua, Glaize, Gravois and Osage) and everything in between, literally cash checking bags came from all areas of the lake and most fish caught on traditional winter baits, the A-Rig, Stick Bait and finesse baits (small jigs, small shaky head w  finesse worms and small swim baits, etc.).    The bite on the lake has been very tough the past few weeks and it was evident today as the last check today was just under 7 pounds with 25 places being paid.   The lake has dirty water in some areas but clean water right across the lake from the dirty water, some backs of creeks are stained and some backs of creeks are dirty, water temps very by multiple degrees depending where and what part of creek you are fishing.  Most of the main lake is dirty but as you move back of creeks and side pockets you might find much clearer water and 2-3 degree water temp differences.  The father and son team of Josh and Jim put it all together today to catch just under 20 pounds, 2+ pounds more than 2nd place.   They reported catching their fish in the Lower Niangua, Hurricane Deck Bridge and Linn Creek area, rotating several banks in those areas, but catching all their best 5 fish off of two banks that they rotated through the day, catching their winning bag on the Alabama Rig.    Of the top 5 teams that cashed checks, they caught their fish on the lower end by the dam, Gravois Arm, upper Niangua and the Glaize.  Check cashing bags were also caught in the Tan Tara area and Shawnee Bend area.   Most anglers that caught good fish reported catching them on creek channel banks mid way to the backs of creeks, secondary points and over brush piles both on banks and along side of docks in 6′ – 15′ of water.  Most reported fish being stacked up on small stretches of bank, this is likely due to the drastic drop of the water level this past week.    If you catch one there, stick around and keep fishing that small stretch and/or come back to it multiple times.   The A-Rig and Stick bait seemed to be the best baits today.  However, finesse baits were also a big player.