The experts at Truman Lake Fishing Intel expect good things in the coming months and have a few pointers if you plan to get on the water.

Water temperatures are lingering in the mid to upper 70s, but this week should kick off a fairly rapid decline into the low 70s lakewide. Water quality is looking good on the lower ends of the lake including the dam, Sterett Creek, KK Island, and lower ends of all the arms.

The Grand has been especially clean this summer up to about G8-G9 where it starts getting dingy in a hurry. Above Bucksaw you can expect less than 2 inches of visibility. The Osage and Tebo have some color to them as well the further up you go.

Bass

Expectations are high for certain species this fall while other species may be hit or miss. Bass may be one of those hit or miss.

Based on angler observation, the largemouth bass appear to have gotten off a strong spawn this past spring. Many wolf packs of adolescent bass have been reported over the summertime sharking behind topwater baits. However, this summer was a challenging one on the bass fishing, leading many to hope the fall feed up will produce the best action all year.

Most of the challenge this year was a result of the lake level being 10 feet high or more for an extended period of time early on. This allows largemouth bass to scatter out significantly where it can be hard to find them. As a result of the high water, it also appears there are millions of shad present in the lake after a successful spawn in the bushes. It’s hard to compete with your artificial baits when there is so much abundance of the real thing.

A 20-pound tournament bag has been hard to come by this year. Many tournaments have taken anywhere from 14-18 pounds to win. That trend may continue through the fall as anglers try to compete throwing their artificial baits in amongst millions of live shad.

In the coming weeks, you need to be spending your time in the creeks and secondary pockets. The shad are already moving in there and the bass aren’t far behind. Folks are reporting finding the bass shallow already all over the lake, but not necessarily all the way into the creeks yet.

You’ll want to have several rods rigged up and ready to go including a topwater rod with a whopper plopper, spook, or PopR, a squarebill crankbait, a spinnerbait, and your choice of a bottom bait be it a jig or big worm. The big worm bite has gotten better, but not on the trees. If you’re working points and not getting bites on a jig, try the worm and see what that does for you. Also, don’t forget about a spinnerbait. A big double willow leaf spinnerbait in any white/chartreuse combination should be deadly on windy flats and points where you can see active bait in the area.

Crappie

Crappie fishing on Truman continues to be exceptional, and the fall months are a great time to target them.

Many of the guides are focusing in the Grand arm, where you can find an abundance of fish, along with some of the best quality you’re going to find on the lake. You’ll find crappie all over the lake, but the lower end of the lake, including the lower Grand, Tebo, Pomme, and Osage, has a big population of black crappie that are much smaller overall. You may have to work through 5-7 short fish for every one keeper.

Minnows have been a staple all summer long, but the jig bite is rapidly picking up. You’ll likely want to use smaller profile jigs on a 1/16th or 1/32nd oz jig head through end of October. At that time, the fish should start hitting your bigger 2.5-3 inch baits. When you rig up with those smaller jig heads, use an 1/8th oz split shot or egg sinker about 6 or so inches above the jig. That will help get your bait down in the water and help you keep it in the strike zone.

Captain Jeff Faulkenberry loves fall crappie fishing and always looks forward to the water temperature drop. It helps the fish key in on specific structure like dark black stumps, which are your old hardwoods. They hold warmth a little better than other types of structure and the fish will congregate around those.

Hybrids/White Bass

If you want action this fall, the white bass and hybrids are where it’s at. You can find them all over the lake, but the most popular areas to target them are on the lower end within 5 miles of the dam. When that water temperature reaches 70 degrees, it will be like a light switch.

You’re going to want to look for any windy ban whether it’s chunk rock, gravel, or otherwise and they’ll be there in 1-4 feet of water feeding up on shad. You’ll find a lot of white bass and the hybrids won’t be far behind.

Common baits to try are rooster tails, PopRs, spoons, and small crankbaits. If you find a period of time where there are several days of consistent weather, the hybrids will be more inclined to get up shallow with the white bass.

Your electronics will help you find the bait and the predator fish, but keep an eye out for nature’s fish finders – seagulls. If you see seagulls dive bombing the water or congregating near a windy point, that’s an area you’ll want to go check out.

Catfish

The catfishing has been very consistent all summer long, and big ones are being found in the upper Grand arm in shallow water. Captain Jeff Faulkenberry has fished windy flats in the upper Grand in 2-5 feet of water and absolutely hammered on slot fish and big overs as well.

You can catch good eaters up there as well, but if you’re wanting a lot more eaters to take home, you may take your efforts to the lower end of the Grand or Osage and focus in 15-25 feet of water. The upper Osage has been a consistent producer of good keeper cats as well near Talley Bend.

As the fall progresses, the shad will move into the warmer waters in the backs of creeks and you’ll be able to find the catfish right behind them. The shallow bite for catfish will last all fall and winter long. Don’t be surprised to find catfish in 5 feet or less in those creeks for months to come.

Regardless of what species you’re looking for, Truman Lake fishing is going to be good this fall. The bass population is in good shape, catfish are plentiful, white bass and hybrids are already being caught in numbers, and the crappie fishing continues to prove why Truman is one of the best crappie lakes in the country.

Become a member at trumanlakefishingintel.com to stay up-to-date on the daily/weekly fishing reports, articles, and videos from the experts who are on the lake every day.

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We are super excited to shoot this every month this year and hope you enjoy it! Let us know what topics you want to see more of and what you like the most. For now, the video podcast will be available at all Mahoney Outdoors Brand outlets including Truman Lake Fishing Intel, and on the Endless Season Guide Service Facebook page.

See all the latest Truman Lake fishing reports HERE!

The post Endless Season Outdoors Podcast Episode 7 – Part 2 with Truman Lake biologist appeared first on .

We are super excited to shoot this every month this year and hope you enjoy it! Let us know what topics you want to see more of and what you like the most. As we get more of the equipment in, we’ll have guests and much more to show you. For now, the video podcast will be available at all Mahoney Outdoors Brand outlets including Truman Lake Fishing Intel, and on the Endless Season Guide Service Facebook page.

See all the latest Truman Lake fishing reports HERE!

The post Endless Season Outdoors Podcast – Episode 6 Part 1 with Truman Lake Biologist appeared first on .

We are super excited to shoot this every month this year and hope you enjoy it! Let us know what topics you want to see more of and what you like the most. For now, the video podcast will be available at all Mahoney Outdoors Brand outlets including Truman Lake Fishing Intel, and on the Endless Season Guide Service Facebook page. You can also listen online anywhere you get your podcasts!

See all the latest Truman Lake fishing reports HERE!

The post Endless Season Podcast: Episode 5 Wildlife biologist interview appeared first on .

Let us know what else you want us to discuss in the future!

We are super excited to shoot this every month this year and hope you enjoy it! Let us know what topics you want to see more of and what you like the most. As we get more of the equipment in, we’ll have guests and much more to show you. For now, the video podcast will be available at all Mahoney Outdoors Brand outlets including Truman Lake Fishing Intel, and on the Endless Season Guide Service Facebook page.

See all the latest Truman Lake fishing reports HERE!

The post Endless Season Outdoors Podcast: Episode 4 appeared first on .

See all the latest Truman Lake fishing reports HERE!

The post Truman Lake Fishing Intel Membership options and benefits appeared first on .

Topics on this episode include truman lake fishing updates with catfish, spoonbill, walleye, crappie, and lake conditions, turkey hunting stories and tips, morel mushroom hunting excitement, and a lot more! Come along for a great conversation!

Let us know what else you want us to discuss in the future!

Don’t forget to head over to Truman Lake Fishing Intel and become a member today to stay updated on daily/weekly fishing reports!

The post Endless Season Outdoors Podcast – Episode 3 appeared first on .

We’ll be shooting video of our Endless Season Outdoors podcast episodes and also posting the audio only as well on the major podcasting platforms. Topics covered will be just like what the name implies. All things hunting and fishing every season of the year.

We are super excited to get this going and hope you enjoy it! Let us know what topics you want to see more of and what you like the most. As we get more of the equipment in, we’ll have guests and much more to show you. For now, the video podcast will be available at all Mahoney Outdoors Brand outlets including Truman Lake Fishing Intel, and on the Endless Season Guide Service Facebook page.

The post Endless Season Outdoors Podcast Episode 2 appeared first on .

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1. Lure Retriever

It might be funny to have this lure retriever be the first item on the list, but at $16.99. this item will pay for itself in a hurry! It is very easy to use from a boat, but a little less effective if used from the land. The weight drops down the line and knocks the lure off whatever snag it’s hung on. From the land, it’s a little harder to manipulate. If this is for more of a bank fisherman, you may consider getting the telescopic pole lure retriever.

Price Range: $12-$35

2. Scissors/cutters

One thing I’ve learned my lesson on in the last few years has been the need to have a good pair of fishing scissors or cutters with me at all times. Using your teeth is a bad idea. Over time, you will literally break your teeth, just like I did. Luckily, my fiancee is a dentist and was able to fix it. But not everyone is so lucky. Save yourself the hassle and get a nice pair of scissors or nail clippers that can handle cutting braid, mono, and fluorocarbon line.

Price Range: $4-$15

3. Life Jacket

When you’re out on the water, safety is a number one priority. Check your state’s regulations, but most require there be at least one life jacket per person on the boat. Bass Pro Shops offers some solid options on life jackets at an affordable price.

Price Range $20-$50

4. Fishing Gloves

Whether you are fishing in the summer or winter, fishing gloves are a great tool. They offer protection from the sun, wind, cold, bait, water, and more! These gloves by Kast King are especially cool in the wintertime. They keep your hands warm, they allow for your fingers to be uncovered to manipulate finicky fishing items like when you are spooling line. And, they allow you to operate your cell phone as well with them on.

There are other great options, too. For example, many guys go fishing at night. Or, they have to prepare their boat and fishing tackle in the dark at the ramp before launching when the sun comes up. Gloves with built in LED lights can be a lifesaver in these situations.

Price Range: $12-$45

5. Tackle Storage Boxes

As an angler progresses, he or she acquires more and more lures. This can present a problem with organization. Luckily, there are many storage solutions for fishing lures and tackle supplies. Plano makes some great, durable storage boxes.

These boxes are perfect to fit in boat compartments or in backpacks!

Price Range: $5-$25

6. Landing Net

Whether you fish from the boat or from the bank, a good fishing net is a fantastic tool to help land all those fish of a lifetime! Telescopic nets like this one can help you reach out a good distance from both the boat or bank!

The adjustability is nice as well because you can fold it down into a smaller profile for storage.

Price Range: $15-$50

7. Line Spooling Machine

Gone are the days of sticking a pen or pencil through the middle of the line spool and having someone hold that while you reel the line onto your reel. There are a variety of line spooling devices that make this chore so much easier.

Devices like this one from Piscifun are easy to use. Simply attach the reel and line to the line spooler and start winding. Having a device like this helps keep the line tight as it goes on the reel and can help prevent line jump where the line literally just seems to jump off the reel in big chunks.

Price Range: $20-$50

8. Filet Knife

There are a lot of anglers who practice and catch and release, but even the most disciplined like a good meal every now and then. Species like crappie, catfish, and walleye are all very popular to eat and common to catch. So, you need a good knife to help you clean your catch when you bring them home! The Bubba Blade knife is a very popular option. Just be sure that whatever brand you choose, that it has a strong, but flexible blade.

Price Range: $10-$50

9. Rod Socks

This might be one of the best investments I’ve made for my fishing equipment in recent years. Rod socks help protect fishing rods and help to keep them untangled as well.

These offer great protection from drops and general wear and tear. The best part is they are cheap! You can find them in any Bass Pro or Scheels, but there are a ton of great deals on Amazon. Be sure to look at the length measurements of the socks so you know they will fit the fishing rods. You’ll also want to find out if the rod socks are for casting or spinning rods.

Price Range: $3-8 a piece

10. Fish Counter

When you’re out on the water and having a great day, sometimes it can be hard to keep track of how many fish you put in the livewell.

A really handy tool is a fish counter that can be worn around the neck or attached to a belt loop. It is a device that conveniently allows an angler to keep track of how many fish they’ve caught or how many they’ve put in the livewell.

Price Range: $5-15

11. Fish Lip Grabber

Some tools are so simple that you didn’t even know you needed them. The Fish Lip Grabber is one of those tools.

This is great for those fish that have rough or sharp teeth or are maybe extra slippery to hold normally. If you have a new angler with you who isn’t as comfortable holding fish, this is a great tool to use so they can still grab a photo with their prized catch. You can find some that even have a built in scale.

Price Range: $8-25

12. Fish Cleaning Filet Board

Having a good filet board is a nice accessory to have laying around after filling limits on the boat. There are lots of good options, but the Filet Away Fish Mat is especially cool. It grips to the surface it sits down and also helps grip the fish. It is easy to clean and transport as well since it rolls up. If you wanted to go a little higher on the price range, you could even look into some fish cleaning tables.

Price Range: $20-50

13. Mystery Tackle Box

In the past couple of years, “subscription tackle boxes” have become a thing where you can order several months worth of boxes and get an assortment of lures sent to you, usually at a slight discount. You can also buy those same boxes one at a time, like this Elite bass fishing kit from Mystery Tackle Box.

Price Range: $22-50

14. Dave’s Custom Baits Fishing Lure

If that angler you know is a bass fishing fiend, then look no further than Dave’s Custom Baits. This company makes completely custom balsa crankbaits and jerkbaits. They are handcrafted from start to finish, which includes the carving and painting process. Each one is tested in the water before shipment to ensure optimum performance.

The erratic motion of the lure in the water is what triggers so many bites that other lures just won’t get.

Price Range: $50

15. Bait Towel with clip

Fishing can be a messy process. Fish are slimy and if you’re fishing with live bait, that can be dirty as well. Simple items like a bait towel can make a world of difference when out on the water. Some of the best ones have a clip on them that can easily be attached to belt loop. They aren’t in the way, but very quickly available when needed.

Price Range: $5-20

16. Needlenose Pliers

Fishing pliers may be one of the best tools any angler can have available on every outing. They can serve so many purposes like hook removal from a fish, clothes, or other items. They can assist with swapping out hooks on fishing lures and more.

The Lew’s needlenose pliers are outstanding, and can be found anywhere from $40 to just a touch over 50.

Price Range: $10-50

17. Bass Slippers

Here’s the gag gift on the list. If you really want to spice up any angler’s footwear, get them a pair of the bass slippers.

They may have been able to “talk the talk” with their fishing stories, but with this gift, you’ll be helping them really “walk the walk”, too.

Price Range: $20-25

18. De-Fishing Soap

As we’ve mentioned previously, fishing can be a messy business. You will get slimy and dirty whether you catch fish or not.

So, a great item to have on hand is some kind of de-fishing soap or wipes. These will help get that very distinct, nasty fish smell off your hands and skin after a day on the water. They will come especially in handy after cleaning a mess of fish.

Price Range: $5-15

19. Fishing Scale

Every angler needs a fishing scale. You have to keep them honest! Otherwise that big fish will keep growing and growing every time the story gets told!

There are a variety of scales available that will do the job. I have particularly liked the Rapala High Contrast Scale because of its many features, but also because of how easy the screen is to read in various light conditions.

Price Range: $15-50

20. Waterproof Phone Case

Whether we like it or not, phones are a necessity these days. They go with us wherever we are, and that includes the water. Talk to a few anglers and you are bound to hear at least one story about dropping a phone in the lake.

So, that makes this gift idea a perfect one. A waterproof phone case is a must have for any person who plans to have a phone out anywhere near the water.

Price Range: $8-20

21. Fishing Reports Membership Subscription

Newspapers used to cover outdoor sports and fishing reports consistently, but that is fading quickly. Now, specialized websites fill the void with fishing information for big, travel destination lakes. Trumanlakefishingintel.com is one of those sites that provides daily/weekly fishing reports and videos on how you can find the fish all over the lake. If you live in Missouri, or plan to travel to Missouri to fish Truman Lake, then a membership to Truman Lake Fishing Intel is a great idea. Gift cards are available, in addition to various memberships. You can use coupon code mahoneyoutdoors for $10 off any of the subscriptions.

Other great ideas over $50

Live Bait Cooler

Fishing Backpacks

Fish Cleaning tables

Yeti Coolers

Fish Finders

Thanks for reading about the 21 best fishing gifts for $50 or less! Do you have some more shopping to do for someone who likes to hunt? Check out these awesome gifts for guys that hunt!

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Angler’s Port Marine is a Missouri boat dealership conveniently located in Warsaw, MO at the junction of Truman Lake and Lake of the Ozarks. Angler’s Port has been a mainstay in the Ozarks region since 2000.

At Angler’s Port Marine, the customer experience from sales to service is the top priority.

“Our motto is we believe that our customer’s time on the water is valuable,” Don Schlesselman, the Sales and Marketing Manager, stated. “Between our sales, parts, and service department, we aim to make sure customers are put into high quality boats and back them up when future service support is needed.”

Several lines of boat brands are available at Angler’s Port, including Lowe, Phoenix, and Caymas. In fact, Angler’s Port Marine was the top Lowe dealership in the country in 2019.

“Lowe is built here in Missouri and has an outstanding reputation for building quality aluminum boats and pontoons,” Schlesselman said.

“Phoenix boats are well-tested and proven, and we are excited about the new Caymas line of boats, which are taking off in the industry, as well,” he added.

If you’re needing service on your boat or engine, the service department can assist with that, too. They are full-service certified on Mercury and Yamaha motors, and can service all types of boats and engines. They recently expanded to include mercruiser I/O engines, which can be difficult to find service on.

Every customer gets a special treatment from staff. However, for first-time boat buyers, Angler’s Port offers an extra perk – on-the-water beginner boating lessons for those who want it. Furthermore, the staff frequently organizes ride and go events locally to showcase the quality, performance, and ride, of Lowe, Phoenix, and Caymas boats.

Additionally, if you’re a tournament angler or getting into tournament fishing, Angler’s Port should be the first stop for your next boat. They are large sponsors of the Crappie Masters tournament trail and the Truman Lake Tournament Series.

For example, if you win one of the 6 Crappie Masters National Qualifying tournaments out of a boat purchased from Angler’s Port Marine that is two years old or newer, you’ll win an extra $1,000. Even more exciting, if you win the National Championship, you’ll get an extra $12,500.

It doesn’t end there. The dealership also actively supports fishing tournaments for veterans and active duty service personnel. The staff maintain an on-going support of local educational programs and support a very committed charity that provides schools in Africa with clean water. Serving the community locally and beyond is a top priority at Angler’s Port.

“We believe in safety first, doing the right thing, maintaining a friendly, professional environment for our customers, and giving back whenever possible,” Schlesselman stated.

You’ll definitely see that firsthand when you visit Angler’s Port Marine.

Learn more at anglersportmarine.com or find them on their Facebook page. Call 660-438-4600 Tuesday through Saturday for inquiries.

Haven’t yet become a member of Truman Lake Fishing Intel? Join today for exclusive access to expert information about Truman Lake!

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