Ham

I've got hours of Natalie stories. I'll spare you the rest of them. Funny stuff though.

I had a brain damaged cat (happened before we adopted it) that would lay in front of a fireplace until it got too hot to touch. After that, we would not let her lay as close to the fire or for as long.

I promise you a 10 lb spot is ALWAYS gonna be special. If you caught 100 of them, each fish would still bring a smile to your face.

I see side employment in TFR's future.

They stocked Cali with Alabama strain Spots and fed em up on Rainbows. It's a giant fish, but no way that a TR or BSL or Beaver Spot can EVER get that big. Not Hatin' just sayin'.

We aleady have a "River X".

Everybody hates the wealthy man, but how many jobs are created by a poor man? I never begrudge someone the wealth they have earned. I might not understand why a billionaire is still working 70 plus hours a week, but I don't hate him for it. There is not one single economic pie that has to be sliced up for everyone. Just because one guy is making a ton of money that doesn't mean he is preventing other people from getting their's.

Very nice prices.

Not really the same genetics that are swimming in TR, but still. What a fish.

Orange bellied lures are hugely popular on Toledo Bend. It might just be a local fishing urban legend on Toledo Bend, but it sure impacts lure sales.

My trips to Taney will be uncommon. Still, if its a good fly there, its likely a good fly other places too.

Hey TFR, Now that you've had a little time with the Crawlers in the water, how do the crawlers compare to old standyby WW's? I fish warts so seldom tthat I have restrainted myself from buying any crawlers.

I really, really like egg patterns. I like the bigger stout egg hook (bass guy) and that the egg can draw fish in and then catch them on a small fly trailing the egg.

I like dub style reggae, but I have never dubbed a fly. I have a hard time getting the yarn tight without it slipping. Practice, practice, pratice-I suppose.

I really dont get the enjoyment out of tying my flies that some people really seem to get, but I get a little hacked paying for the flys that I use a lot and that seem relatively simple to tie. So, I am trying to get better at the basics to (giggle) save money by tying some of the flys I use. I can tie Zebra midges and variations thereof, Clousers, Streamers like MIcky Finn's, Wooly Buggers, foam hoppers, and the easiest fly in the world: San Juan worms. Thise are some really basic things that I have tried enough times to get mostly correct. I know I need to learn how to tie Y2K's better, scuds, sowbugs, and some kind of big nasty stone fly bottom bouncing thing. What else do I need to add to my skill set. I have zero interest in tiny stuff. The bass fisherman in me makes it impossible for me to fish stuff that is size 20 and below. 7X tippit on my rod is the same as dumping my fly boxes in the trash. I can not fish 7X w/o breaking off on almost every hookset (yeah I know).

Thank You for the head's up, but I honestly can not afford to save any more money.

I can not access the chats on my I pad so no chance I will be able to participate. Sucks, but it is what it is.

Thanks for the review. I'll most likely look intio that and buy one. I've had issues off and on, but mostly on since picking up the Ned rig. So many hooksets take their toll on me. I cast spinning and baitcasters with my left hand. So, I don't really get a break using one system over the other. My Dad is left handed and he taught me to cast. I taught myself to use the fly rod so I am right handed with a fly rod. I agree completely with you in that IF I can use an exercise routine and strengthen that area, that's the route I want to go. I'd rather avoid steroids if at all possible. They are very effective at reducing inflammation, but they do a lot of unintended things as well. I'll use a steroid IF I absolutely have to do so. I will use an nsaid and ice it during flare ups, but I would be SO happy to but this behind me for good.

It's been a crapshoot evry since the Black Friday sale started. I was able to get an order in and I assume you will be able to as well, but you might have to take a few swings at it.

I'm martried to the Zig Jig. I love those things. The 1/16 oz and 1/8 oz oz put 100's and 100's of fish in my boat every year. I should use them more for crappie and white bass, but fantastic for trout everywhere AND cold/cool water smallies too( even in your neck of the woods). The HD is really a fix for some guys out west catching mutant trout in a lake, but I think it will allow for a little more robust hooksets and pulling on smallies and White Bass / Wipers. I think it will be offered in about 12 colors. Your stuff is awesome Mitch, but tying is a tedious struggle for me and if i can buy em, I will.

I'll commit to visiting Thursday and Friday nights and running a boat on Friday and Saturday. I know SIO3 is going to fish with me at least one day. I have a date night with the wife Saturday night. I will be off the water and running for the house at 5 PM on Saturday. Richard Cross is going to mail me some HD Zig Jigs to give out to everyone. He asks that we please at least try them during the day. He'd like some feedback about how they fish. There are no plans to eliminate the standard Zig Jig, but I think he is curious to see how it does with trout. I see smallmouth bass as my target species with the HD's, but we will see.

Richard is trying to get me some HD samples for Jigfest

Mitch, the HD's are just hitting the market as we speak and I am not at all certain they are shown on website.

Man, I hate to hear that you won't be able to be there. I'll be praying for a great outcome and a quick recovery from her procedure. I appreciate you having cooked catfish for us before, but we all understand that family comes first.

Hat's off to you guys that are going to tough it out and go fishing today. It's mid 30's with a steady cold rain that looks like it is going to linger all day. I have fished in this crap before. I will fish in this crap again, but I am not fishing in this crap today. stay warm, be careful, and catch a bunch.