"Conquering the Lake of the Ozarks: Tips for a Successful Big Bass Bash Outing"

As of October 9, 2024, the Lake of the Ozarks is buzzing with activity, especially with the Big Bass Bash tournament just around the corner. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Time
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 50 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset will be at 6:33 PM. There is no significant tidal activity to worry about on Lake of the Ozarks, as it is a freshwater lake.

### Fish Activity
Fishing has been a bit challenging lately, but the lake is healthy and full of life. Early mornings are prime time for catching bigger fish, especially with topwater baits. As the sun rises, the bite tends to slow down, but you can still find success using various lures.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
The lake is home to a robust population of largemouth and spotted bass. Recent electrofishing surveys indicate that about 25% of largemouth bass in the Niangua Arm and 12% in the Glaize Arm are over the 15-inch size limit. Spotted bass are also plentiful, with 30% in the Niangua Arm and 24% in the Glaize Arm over the 12-inch size limit. Crappie fishing is excellent as well, with about 50% of white and black crappie meeting the 9-inch minimum length limit.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwater baits like walking baits (e.g., Spook or Pop-R) and Buzz baits are effective early in the morning. Soft plastics such as brush hogs and beaver-style baits work well around docks, brush piles, and points. Jigs, particularly those from Trophy Bass Company, are reliable for picking up big fish. For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the best bets, especially around brush piles on or near points.

### Hot Spots
- **Points and Ledges**: These areas are great for bass, especially with deep crankbaits and jigs.
- **Brush Piles**: Located on or near points, these are hot spots for crappie and bass.
- **Backs of Creeks**: Early mornings and late afternoons are good times to fish here using topwater baits and soft plastics.
- **Boat Docks**: These structures attract bass and can be fished effectively with jigs and soft plastics.

### Additional Tips
Make sure to fish around the abundant shad population, as bass tend to congregate where there is bait. Using heavier line, such as 25lb line, can be beneficial when targeting larger fish. Keep an eye out for the Big Bass Bash participants, as their strategies and catches can provide valuable insights.

With the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you should have a productive day on the Lake of the Ozarks. Good luck