END OF AN ERA ON TABLE ROCK

For a good number of years, Shell Knob has been treated to a weekly fishing report from local historian, Tom Koob.  I was sorry to read in our weekly paper "The Rattler", that last week was his last column.  Here are some highlights from his last excellent musings. 
 

"I've tried to write a report that would actually help people catch fish on Table Rock and supply information about this great fishery and resource.

Not long after I started these reports, Table Rock's bass fishery experienced serious problems with a bacterial
infection and Largemouth Bass Virus. There is no doubt that these diseases negatively impacted the largemouth population, particularly the larger fish. Since that time, Table Rock has rebounded with an improved quantity and quality of bass.

TABLE ROCK ANNIVERSARY
Table Rock will be fifty years old in a year. Large man-made reservoirs typically lose some of their fish carrying
capacity as they age. Table Rock has held up surprisingly well. ls it as easy to catch bass on this lake now
as it was in the 60's and 70's? No, it is not. There are many reasons for this, including loss of cover, fishing pressure, prey preferences and to some degree, the impact of Largemouth Bass Virus. For the average
weekend angler or vacationer, Table Rock can be challenging and even frustrating. 

REWARDS OF FISHING
For those who work at it, study the fish and employ the best equipment and techniques this big lake can
offer very rewarding fishing. I have spent many days on the water by myself. I enjoy the solitude, the quiet, the
beauty of the varying shades of green forest contrasting with the seasonal colors of the water's surface. The stately
grace of a great blue heron standing motionless in the shallows intrigues me, as does the serious intent of a
mink scurrying along the rocky shoreline.

I've been thrilled by the zing of my line as it cuts through the water, pulling drag, with a fish of unknown
size bending my rod over. I've felt the excitement of seeing white bass go into a feeding frenzy within a good
cast of -my boat. I've enjoyed the sound that a good fish makes when it sucks down a Spook and the bait just disappears.

I've been exhilarated by the feeling of the wind in my face as I skimmed across the lake on the first really
warm spring day. I've enjoyed fishing with friends and sometimes with people that just needed someone
to take them out on the water. ............"

CHALLENGES CONTINUE

"Table Rock faces many challenges.  Pollution and nutrient inputs will continue to threaten this valuable resource.
There have been improvements in water quality the last few years. Table Rock will continue to require attention
and investment from those who live and visit here.  Human population will continue to expand around this
lake, requiring all of us to be conservationists.

 This won't be the last time you hear me say.  Keep the water clean. "