SilverMallard

I just went through everything and I also have two expedition packs by Vortex that are NIB. One badlands (camo hunting pack) and one Vortex brand ideal for pack-in fly fishing junkets and/or adventure travel. I've also got a bunch of calls I forgot I had: Olts, a few antiques, and gobs of various production calls. Also Knight & Hale turkey calls, a couple of deer calls/rattles, etc. Hunting jackets, hats, boots (size 9), and more. Geez I've got a bunch of stuff I don't use! Oh! Also, a Tritronics e-collar w/manuals and training video, a dummy launcher and dummies, a GREAT tow chain, a huge supply of Grabber Warmers hand, boot, toe, and body warmers NIB (of course), and all sorts of other goodies.

Rod weight is all about the size of flies it will handle best. The difference in fighting strength between a 4wt and 6wt is almost ZERO. You don't fight fish on a fly rod, you play them. Tippet size is also supposed to relate to fly size most of all. The smaller the fly, the lighter the tippet. But tippet size does impact how much pressure you can put on a fish far more than rod weight does. I think that is intuitively obvious to the casual angler. Can you grossly undersize? Sure. Using a 1wt for stripers would not be smart. And yes, this puts stress on those big fish due to the much longer landing process. But between a 4wt and 7wt, it doesn't make much difference if you know how to play fish. And you can easily land 95% of the trout in Taneycomo on a 2wt. Personally, for panfish and typical ozarks trout, I think a 4wt is ideal for everything but fishing during generation and streamer fishing. When doing either of those, I switch to a 6wt. I also use a 6wt for smallie fishing...because of the size of the flies.

moonshiner, Out there by Ava you have some great stretches of creek fishing on Beaver Creek and another I don't recall the name of. And they are not heavily fished, either. But depending on your disability, wading/access could be tough. But some of area landowners would probably be glad to help you out as much as they can. Nice folks out there. So just keep asking around...at the feed store, real estate offices, churches.

I was down there last night. Met some people at Waxy O'Sheas for dinner and then walked the Landing and watched the fountain show at 10pm. The Irish pub is open, but not completed. They're still waiting on the shades for their windows...which all face the evening sun. It's a bit warm in there. The staff is not adequately trained. But they have a good selection of draft beers and ales. The fish and chips is decent...best I've had in this area. Prices weren't bad at all. I did see some cosmetic cement damage and a few obvious repairs. But not a lot. Being in the real estate biz for over a decade, I can tell you that cosmetic settling damage is very normal in this part of the country in both residential and commercial settings. Almost every new construction we have been involved with has had to have the builder return at least a few times to repair cosmetic settling damage. That includes our own home. So I don't know how much we fault the developers on this count. I do know enough about major construction like this to know that compaction of fill can cause some serious problems if a project is "rushed." And it has always seemed to me that they didn't worry much about compaction and settling during the fill process. They started building on it while they were still filling ground. The fountain show was excellent. I don't understand how anyone could complain about it. And there must have been 300 people there just watching the thing. And when it was over, they applauded and cheered. Which I thought was funny. It's a computer and some machines. Why applaud? But we obviously weren't the only ones who were impressed.

Yes, Dave. That would have been the infamous Hell's Angels riot in the 1970s. They all congregate in Forsyth now or convention in Branson with the Wing-Dings and swill Geritol as they listen to blues and reminisce about the glory days while checking their portfolios on their Blackberries. Some even moved to Indian Point and bought resorts with their ill-gotten loot. Hasn't been a riot down there since. But there was almost one on Gretna last Friday night! We got the heck outta there before it really got ugly.

Yes, but you're not even going back far enough. Rockaway's demise was really triggered by the construction of Table Rock Dam. Prior to the opening of the dam, Rockaway Beach was a world-class vacation destination. People came from all over the world to partake in the beachfront swimming and recreation and the world reknowned smallmouth bass fishing. Table Rock ruined both. And Rockaway has never been the same since. Now, in the 70's, when the trout were running an average of 5 lbs in Taneycomo, Rockaway had a bit of a rebound. But we have ALL suffered the results of that mismanagement! That's not a problem specific to Rockaway Beach. Add to that all of the gov't decisions (county and state) that have been made in favor of Branson and to the detriment of other nearby communities in more recent years and you can see my point. Finally, tack on Branson's own predatory nature toward the neighboring communities and little ole Rockaway never stood a chance. Funny thing, Phil, but I recall you and I having a very agreeable conversation about this very subject down at the hatchery this summer.

Oh, I have said from the very beginning that the true test of whether or not BL is a good investment for the community will be the degree to which the convention center and the Hilton are successful. Hilton resorts have their own draw of brand-loyal travelers. And let us not forget (some of you probably haven't been here long enough to KNOW) that BL was conceived and pursued due to demand for a convention center. We won't know whether or not that is successful or not for about 10 years. Thus, ALL of the naysaying is quite premature. But the retail/entertainment portion has been an empirical success so far...for what it is. And that bodes well for the success of the next two phases of development. And foot traffic and receipts in the downtown historic district and the outlet malls are UP over the same period last year from all reports and rumors I've seen/heard.

Yeah, a lot of people were offended when Jesus and Paul told them the same kind of stuff. I certainly expect it too. I explained my rationale on the Rockaway gambling proposition quite clearly in the previous post you allude to. It's a bout a hierarchy of competing values. Bottom line: if a large % of families cannot provide for themselves adequately in an area, what kind of "family values" is that? Food, clothing, and shelter: these are the basics. My first duty to my neighbors as a Christian is to care/provide for the physical needs of the needy. Jesus asked his disciples why the people came out to hear the Sermon on the Mount. He asked if it was to see the messiah or hear a prophet or what? After a few wrong answers, he said the people came because they knew he would feed them. In the process, they also got to hear his sermon. Now, the truth of that sermon is far more important in the grand scheme of things than is the picnic was. But Jesus was making a point about human nature: "no one cares what you know until they know that you care." And I don't see gambling as morally wrong. I see EXCESS...lack of moderation and self-control...as the sin. Same way I feel about alcohol, food, exercise, sex, etc. And I think there are FAR more important issues for Christians to focus on in this ole world than morality legislation. Paul said the law brings only death. Romans is an excellent treatise on this subject. I don't believe Christians should be about trying to keep the non-believers from behaving like non-believers. I think we should be about helping them to believe. Then the morality issues will almost take care of themselves. But scripture is very clear: the way you get their attention and convey your good intentions is through meeting people's physical needs. Gov't policies/decisions killed Rockaway Beach. So I believe we have a long-overdue civic MORAL duty to recompensate them for their losses. And, yes, I'd much rather find a means of doing so that had nothing to do with gambling. But that is because I realize the absence of gambling in the area is part of what draws some of our 7 million tourists per year. It is not because I think gambling is evil. gonefishin, I addressed the development issue a couple of times. That djinni is WAY out of the bottle! We're talking about RE-development of downtown Rockaway's waterfront, not new development. Huge difference!

KSFX channel 7 news had a piece on BL last night. They've already seen over 1,000,000 visitors (less than 60 days). The entire Branson area averages 7 million visitors per year. And 85% of the businesses at BL report higher than expected revenues. So I gues somebody likes it quite a bit and is spending money there. I've been down several times, but not for a couple of weeks. I'm going this evening. When I've been there in the past, there was no evidence of settling damage, cracking concrete, etc. There was ONE little spot in the cobblestone that had settled and created about a 12" diameter depression in the brick walkway on the Promenade. It was pointed out to me by one of the builders on the project we were there with. Famous Dave's is excellent BBQ and they have the best wings we've ever had. Garfield's is decent too...but pretty typical of the Applebee's - Ruby Tuesday - TGI Friday's type of venue. Anyone equating Bass Pro to Wal-Mart has some serious perception problems, let alone a deep lack of knowledge of the sporting goods industry...OR a biased agenda. I've never seen WJ packs, $3000 shotguns, or a $300 fly reel in a Wal-Mart. Bass Pro runs the full range of sporting goods fare. And the level of in-store expertise is VERY high for a big box retailer. The guy running the fly shop/fishing dept in the Branson store is truly a leading national expert in fly-fishing retail. He has over 30 years in the industry and has run the fly-fishing operations for a couple of very prestigious New England outfitters including Eddie Bauer. And he's a pretty nice guy! And that's just one example. There is an array of retailers in BL. Some are truly upscale and pretty rare. Some are more common. Coldwater Creek, the Black and White store, Marble Slab Creamery, Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory, and the other designer chocolatier are just a few examples of stores you will find in some of America's most exclusive retail centers. Seems to me someone is looking through some pretty pessimistic and biased goggles when he visits BL. We've been to similar venues all over the US, Europe, and Asia. And we like BL and consider it a source of pride for Branson. And who else sold out a large 2-3 bedroom condo development for $300-800k a pop in under 100 days in this area? There are obviously quite a few people with money who believe in BL.

Are you bait fishing or fly fishing? If you're fly fishing, John Wilson is very good. If you're spin/bait fishing, just pick one.

Yes, for trout I use a C&R dipnet for just about the same reasons Wayne gave. Wayne, we should go fishing sometime.

No way, Terry! We'll save that discussion for John Wilson's site! ROFLMAO.

Well, you don't get canoe hatches at Lassiter. And if you are down below the ramp near dam 3 you aren't bothered by them until mid-morning. It's getting too hot by then anyway. I fish from dawn until the canoes start coming when I fish down there.

Phil, Yes, I agree with your latest statement: it isn't a HUGE deal, but it does help some. Handling issues are WAY more important. The possible exception: bait fishing. That's what the research tells us. In fact, I have not advocated changing the regs at any point in this thread. This started out as me suggesting people use barbless hooks voluntarily. I crimp down all of my barbs before getting a fly or lure or bait wet...everywhere I fish for trout. I do NOT do this when fishing for bass or panfish. I have a few personal reasons for doing so with trout, and probably should do it with bass and panfish: 1. Personal safety - barbs are probably more dangerous to people stuck with them than fish. I've hooked myself a few times over the decades. Not having a barb to deal with is WAY easier and less traumatic. 2. Ease of release - I use a C&R landing net. Barbed hooks are a pain in the butt! And the faster release puts a lot less stress on the fish. 3. If it saves a few fish/year, it's worth it to me because it costs me NOTHING to do it and has zero economic impact. But I'd much rather see MO outlaw shuffling and see everyone leave their cameras at home than I would see a restriction on barbed hooks in the trophy management zone, blue ribbon streams, etc. And I'd rather see us focus our efforts and attention on water quality than all of the above.

Well, Ron, you are entitled to your experienced opinion. But that's all it is. It isn't based on scientific research and observation. It is based on anecdotal experience...a lot of it to be sure, but still just an opinion of a guy who hase done a lot of fishing. I posted direct links to several authoritative scientific studies including one meta-study of all the other studies done on the subject. The data was collected by scientists using scientific methods and measurements. The data was analyzed over the past couple of decades by a wide array of scientists from all over the country. And it was re-analyzed by the meta-study and the report on the USGS site was compiled. The feds, most states, and THE VAST MAJORITY of trout fishing guides and outfitters worldwide agree that barbless hooks are the way to go. You know, Ron, using your logic, there is no reason to outlaw driving while intoxicated because the majority of highway fatalities are not alcohol-related. Or there is no need to stop some lesser type of water pollution because there are bigger sources out there. Some things are more controllable than others, Ron. And that factors into the equation too. If you do all the little, easy stuff it adds up to big results. Controlling the behavior of millions of anglers (most of whom are casual/occassional anglers only with no training) when it comes to fish handling is a pretty daunting task. But banning the mfg and sale of barbed hooks would be pretty easy. And outlawing them on a specific stretch of C & R or slot limit water is even easier. But I completely agree with you about the other problems you mentioned. And if we COULD get people to stop doing the things you mentioned we would see a big improvement in our fisheries. Barbless hooks is certainly no "cure all!" But it's a simple thing that does no harm and does help some. Kind of like picking up that one piece of trash on your way out of the stream and carrying it out with you. You didn't clean up the whole river. But if everyone would just do that, 90% of the trash would be gone in a couple of months. And it's no big deal. It's easy. And it costs no one anything. That's how I feel about barbless hooks. And in your business, Phil, I can see why that is a big deal to you. Do you have any idea how many people DO go to AR to fish for trout every year? It's a LOT more than come here! So I don't think that barbless rule is hurting them very badly. But more importantly...THAT is your response to all the links I posted? YOU said Mike Krusse said it doesn't have an impact on mortality. YOU said MDC disagreed with me about barbless hooks reducing mortality. I have demonstrated quite unequivocally that Mike is dead wrong or you misunderstood him AND that MDC does...in fact...recommend barbless hooks for trout fishermen in an effort to reduce C&R mortality. And an anecdotal story about one guy who got a ticket in AR is your reply?

I mostly fish a 4wt on Taney. The only time I step up to a 6wt is during heavy generation. My biggest Taney trout was 26" Brown that probably went about 6-7 lbs. 4wt. and 6x tippet and a size 16 dry fly.

Wayne, that is indeed ONE of the main benefits of barbless hooks with regard to mortality. Most of those links make that point. But the MAIN place you see a HUGE difference is when bait fishing. Fish take bait deeper than lures and flies. Barbless hooks solve a lot of problems in that scenario. Also, single barbless hooks result in a lower incidence of eye/gill damage...which is often eventually fatal. Most mortality studies measure "instant mortality." They hold the fish for no more than a day or two. The reason is that if they tank fish longer than that, some die just from being tanked. And that skews any attempt to do a long-term mortality study. I would agree that the BIGGEST management technique for reducing C&R mortality rates is artificials and flies vs. bait. But to say that barbless does not reduce hooking mortality is just preposterous. And that's not based on years of anecdotal observations by a lifelong fisherman. That's based on SCIENCE.

Interesting. I don't think we've ever met. You have no idea what I am like. Like I said, I can't help you with the fact that someone who has accomplished a thing or two and knows a thing or two about their subject matter bothers you. The reason I'm back down to 30-60 days/year now is because I'm back to doing it for fun. And I didn't get where I got in the industry by not having spent my life hunting and fishing after school or work. That's how it always starts. I just got some lucky breaks and capitalized on them. Learned a lot along the way. Made some great friends. And spent a ton of time in the great outdoors. Frankly, no...I got tired of hauling clients and taking care of guests on hunting and fishing trips for a living. Way too much ego in hunting and fishing. Way more ego than expertise. And then there's always the "just regular old fishing guys who do it for the love of it" giving you grief out of jealousy. So, when I got to the point where I had an income without punching a clock, I quit. I'm not on a high horse. I don't even own a horse...not even a Shetland Pony. YOU started this nonsense.

No. I own a company or two or three and have a pension check. How about you? Any more smart aleck questions? Oh...I also started a new thread on trout hooking mortality vis a vis barbless vs. barbed hooks in the General Discussion forum where I have provided about a dozen links to highly authoritative sources that all state emphatically that hooking mortality is reduced by barbless hooks...and a bunch more interesting hooking mortality info. ...including "recommendations" for using barbless hooks for trout fishing on the MDC website!

Phil just quoted Mike Krusse, the "esteeemed" MDC trout biologist as saying that barbless hooks do not reduce mortality rates of hooked trout. I thought I'd bring in a few real experts who have done real research on the subject for discussion. http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php...p;setcookie=yes http://dnr.wisconsin.gov/org/es/science/in...routHooking.pdf http://www.absc.usgs.gov/research/Fisherie...ase.htm#results In layman's terms from a highly respected outfitter: http://www.flyfishingjacksonhole.com/turck...ng_barbless.htm Major newspaper article...pay attention to the 3 states/provinces that require barbless hooks in catch-n-release areas: http://www.startribune.com/531/story/566995.html Add one more state to the list: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/troutcar.html Our neighbors in KS teach this in their training programs for wildlife biologists (scroll to bottom of page for chart): http://www.k-state.edu/fishecology/fishmgt/regulations.htm http://prodwbin99.dnr.state.wi.us/org/wate.../pubs/trout.pdf So in addition to WI (above), we also have FL: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=3907 And CA: http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:6-OMi...=clnk&cd=19 I could also provide reams and reams of articles from reputable guides, outfitters, and even more fisheries biologists and gov't agencies. But I think y'all get the point. Heck, even MDC recommends barbless hooks for trout! http://www.mdc.mo.gov/fish/sport/trout/troutethics.html Oh! And here's an interesting article that makes reference to the head trout biologist for AR's new management recommendations for Beaver's tailwater trout fishery. As many of us know, fish AR C&R zones for trout with a barbed hook and you're asking for trouble. It's against the law there. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/ozark/

See my above "whip it out for comparison" comment. I know how to use them too. Been fishing spinning gear for crappie and smallies since I was about 8 years old. Yeah, I do have a lot of information. Some of it's even good. Sorry that bothers you so much. Most people expect professional outdoor writers, guides, and outfitters to be knowledgeable...even the retired ones. I know that when I do seminars at Bass Pro they sure like for me to know what I'm talking about. And when I accepted positions on the board of directors of 3 different international conservation organizations, they expected me to know a thing or two also. I didn't realize you cannot love hunting and fishing AND actually know anything about it. I appreciate your concern for my schedule, but I'd be willing to wager that in the past 10 years I have spent 2-3 times as many hours afield or on the water as you have. I averaged about 250 days of hunting and fishing per year until 2005. Since then, it's been about 30-45 days per year. And in my free time, I read, research, write, and teach about hunting, fishing, and conservation issues. Any more smart aleck questions?

MDC doesn't command a lot of respect in the fish mortality world. They also insist that spinning wing decoys don't increase duck mortality, when every other state agency and gov't study says otherwise. They're very good at a lot of things. But the are VERY "loose" when it comes to means and methods. Well, as long as we're whipping them out for comparison, my spinning rigs are Abu Garcias and Shimanos. Cost more than most of my fly rods too. But I fail to see what that has to do with anything. When I say Zebco Warriors I am referring to the typical tourist with a cheap Zebco he just bought at Wal-Mart so he could try out this trout fishing thing while he's in town. Nothing wrong with that if he learns the rules and ettiquette and pays attention to what's going on around him. If the shoe fits, fellas...if it don't, why take offense? Also, just because some knucklehead buys a fly rod doesn't mean he's anything different than that Zebco Warrior. There are plenty of idiots with fly rods too. I never said there weren't. But you just described why I don't fish trout parks or the outlets much.

Nobody who knows much about this area thinks the Herschends don't give a lot to charities and community stuff around here...money they don't HAVE to give away. That's not in question, Phil. We're talking about GAMBLING. And their actions on this issue are way less than "Christian" in this regard. Furthermore, they notoriously underpay their employees and we all know it. And I'm not just talking about unskilled amusement park workers! I know people who work for them in administrative capacities all the way up the organizational chain there. You can't underpay full-time staff that have been with you for years and claim to be "pro-family" and "generous" without drawing some valid criticism. But this whole country underpays working class folks. It's gotten disgusting. You and I both know managers of considerable businesses in this community who make annual salaries that fall below or at the national poverty level. That's disgusting. When America was "great," a man could be the manager or even asst. manager of a hardware store or restaurant and support a family. A decent auto mechanic could support a family. Look around, people. None of that works anymore. Yet, profit-taking by owners and shareholders have to go up every quarter or some of those workers and managers lose their jobs. We are destroying the free market capitalist society we claim to love by attacking its foundation: the working and lower middle classes. I've said it before and I'll say it again: put a competitive alternative to the casino on the table and I'll vote against the casino. But two values I hold higher than any qualms I might have with legalized gambling are: people having jobs that actually provide for families and people being free to choose what they want to do. I spoke to my 75 year old holiness movement saint of a mother about this yesterday. She says she would not oppose legalized gambling, nudist resorts, or adult PPV movies at the hotels (morality issues we frequently deal with here in this area) here. She said she would oppose strip joints, but not Hooter's, etc. She has had her fair share of loved ones who were alcoholics, but she does not oppose alcohol sales/consumption...even in public. And ALL of these things are subjects I have heard here teach and preach the dangers of all of her life. But she said it's not her job to keep free adults from doing as they please. As a Christian, it is her job to help those who hurt themselves or are hurt by others. It is her job to point out the dangers of letting ANYTHING get out of control in your life. It is her job to tell them Jesus can help them. I thought that was a pretty wise Christian position, myself. And yes...I have seen just as much damage done to souls, finances, relationships, and the environment by HUNTING AND FISHING as I have seen from gambling, alcohol, legal prostitution, or legal porn. Now, the development issue is a different story! This is the biggest threat to the environment and hunting and fishing in America today. But the Branson waterfront and the Rockaway waterfront have been developed for over 50 years! RE-developing them doesn't harm nature. I oppose development of previously undeveloped waterfront on Taneycomo. That makes good sense. But redeveloping a downtown waterfront that has been steel, wood, and concrete for the better part of a century is not harming anything that wasn't harmed a long time ago.

It isn't a matter of fly vs. jig or spinning vs. flyrod. It's a matter of barbless hooks, proper catch-n-release technique (if releasing fish), and fishing within the slot regs and limit. The only other "issues" I have with some...not all...spin fishermen are: 1. If you're in a boat, running all the way up through the wade fishermen on 1 generator kills fish and seriously disrupts wade fishermen's fishing. 2. Some "zebco warriors" (not many serious anglers) don't understand or respect the space required for fly fishing. They'll walk up right next to a fly angler the same way they would if he was casting a spinning outfit. Both the casting and the drift take a lot more space with a flyrod. Just watch for a few minutes and you will see very plainly where his/her "space" is. Finally, release all the fish caught on crankbaits you want to, but if you're using barbed hooks most of them will die soon after being released. Now, some fly anglers don't debarb their hooks, either. I know. This message is for them also. But flies are not swallowed. They lip hook. So it's not AS bad. Crankbaits tend to gill hook and bait gets swallowed. If you go barbless in ALL methods, you will dramatically increase survivability of released fish. Do not handle trout by the gills if you aren't keeping them! Don't keep them out of the water any longer than absolutely necessary. When fishing barbless, keep light pressure on the fish at all times by keeping your rod tip up and you will not lose fish over it. But a LOT more will survive the experience.

Wayne, it's pretty obvious from some of the uninformed comments being made that most have not been to Rockaway anytime in recent history and have had no interraction with the business and gov't leaders of the community...or the N Taney County area in general. I often hear about the "huge windfall" all the property owners will make on "over-valued" property sold to developers if Rockaway gets gambling. What a joke! Almost every business in the development zone is currently listed with a Branson REALTOR. And they are listed for fire sale prices and have been since before the last ballot...some for several years. A few have sold recently, and I have been amazed at how cheap they are. A waterfront resort and marina that the casino would take recently sold for $150k. That was about 3 times earnings...max. And the place is in GOOD shape for an old fishing resort. And I personally know several of the good folks of Rockaway who have spent a lot of their own money and virtually all of their spare time for the past several years trying to find an alternative to the casino. So folks making those kinds of ignorant comments really piss me off. Finally, I wish the Herschends would have spent the $6 million on revitalization of Rockaway also! But they DIDN'T...STILL HAVEN'T...WON'T. But they did pledge $10 million to fight it this time around right after the last election. Words are cheap. The Herschends are hypocrites...liars, if they said what you claim. (I've never heard that before) I'm sure that the good folks of Rockaway would welcome that $16 million spent wisely on a non-gambling competitive econ revitalization effort in their community that would provide yearround employment at above average wages and with benefits for 1,000 workers. Heck, I could go buy every commercial property in Rockaway Beach TODAY with way less than $16 million! I gotta throw the flag on that nonsense.