February showed up exactly how it usually does on Table Rock cold, clear, and unforgiving. High pressure and winter-cold water (mid-40s) made the bite stingy, and most of the fish that showed themselves weren’t very interested in committing. There were plenty of “lookers,” but very few true eaters, which made it a grind from start to finish.

The biggest key was slowing way down and keeping presentations off the fish. With the lake seeing pressure from the Joe Bass event the day before, the fish were extra wary. I had to keep my minnow and A-rig well away from them to get any sort of commitment. Clean water meant spooky fish, and any mistake showed immediately.

The best chances came in areas that had bait present. If bait was around, the fish were noticeably more willing to bite. Even better was when fish were positioned underneath the bait those fish had a much higher chance of committing compared to roamers that were just suspended and watching.

Finesse ruled the day. A 1/4-oz jig head with a 3.5” Hinge Minnow or a 1/4-oz head with a 3.75 Shad Shape Worm in Pro Blue was about as good as it got. Light line, and clean presentations mattered more than constantly switching baits.

Overall, it was not a numbers day by any stretch. It was one of those trips where you earn every bite and second-guess every decision—but that’s February on Table Rock. The fish are there, they’re just not generous yet.