Trout Commander

Are you planning any trips down this way in the near future? I'd hate to see a shipping quote for that thing, and gas to drive to you and back would probably come close to the cost of the toon . How small does it actually pack down to for storage/transport?

I always just click "View New Content" in the upper right hand corner of the home page. It's right under your name and picture. Then you don't have to look at an old stuff unless you want to. The old stuff is pretty important to have on hand though, and I for one am glad that Phil pays for the server space to keep it there.

Sounds pretty good Pat. Any signs of wear or cracking where it has been creased or folded?

Very interested. How long have you had it and where/how was it stored?

Bummer, I don't see the lower priced units listed on Cabelas site at the moment (the ones that are available through Cabelas are cheaper though).

Leave it strapped to the boat. Duh. Then you can roll it across the low water spots. Well now that you are offering... Yes, a Niangua trip would be awesome. I'll have my people get with your people.

Thanks for the input Z. I am curious about a platform as well. I have been envisioning ways to add one but there has to be a reason no one else seems to have one.

I have a TFO Pro ($149), which I would consider a pretty good upgrade from the Dogwood Canyon rod. The reel is a BPS White River Fly Shop Hobbs Creek I reel (added the reel backing and line for $20 - a total of $169 for the outfit). The reel probably isn't any better, maybe not even as good as your dogwood canyon, but you could talk to them about a combo with a higher end reel or ask how the Hobbs creek reel stacks up to the Dogwood canyon OR just upgrade your rod and get the reel later. Mine is a four weight. I got it to be able to fish Taney, small streams and ponds for blue gill. A lot of small stream fish and blue gill just wouldn't be that fun to me on a 5/6wt and the 4wt has fought 20 inch plus fish at Taney handily. Just something to think about no matter the brand you go with.

I'll dip my toes in the water, but still better not dive in until I ask the wife. I'll let you know it the next couple of days Cricket.

The TFO Clouser rods and Mini-Mag outfits might be worth looking into if you haven't as well.

Awesome! Was it on sale or some sort of special or the regular price?

Yeah it sure is Easter Sunday. I had a pass for the NFoW for Saturday and Sunday before I (and the wife) realized it was Easter. Switched that trip to Thursday after work through Saturday evening. If we can't get together for the big spring float I will come down and you can give me the tour of some of your home waters. I don't have a hitch on the Jeep but it can haul people to help with the shuttle and beer or other beverages of your choice .

Saw you again as I went by. We went up and hit the first dirt road to the right, closer to the lake. I only saw two reeled in down our way...

Ahaha, I am blaming the glare on that one... This one is on Amazon for $199....

Mind sharing the hot-ticket bait?

Awesome. I am seriously looking at them. What brand is yours? I searched around for Fish Gill, which is what I think I see on yours but didn't come up with anything?

I'm out. Familial obligations on Easter Sunday...

Not that I am in a position to buy, but is it on a trout holding stretch of Crane?

Took my boy after work and met a forum member, who I will let announce his own skunking if he so chooses, after work at Slough Hollow. Fished from 6:45-8:45 and caught nothing. I was trying to get the boy on some fish to keep his interest up so I fished very little myself. We threw small grubs, swimming minnows etc. Forum member X threw a little bit of everything I think. I also made 4 or 5 casts with a pink and white clouser on the fly rod which resulted in zilch as well. I would really like to get my boy knee deep in some fish when they are hammering away, so I appreciate everyones reports and updates.

I'll let you know if it comes down to that .

The ugly blingy PTN's are mine. They do catch fish I promise One variation has a mostly thread and large (extended further down the hook shanks than traditional) head and this makes them really ugly to our eye. But they have been my most prolific catchers on NFOW, at BSSP and at Taney. I apologize for the lack of ID. This is my first swap, so I will know protocol for next time.

Definitely envious, and grateful that you take the time to share. Thank you.

Spent a couple hours off of Slough Hollow Saturday afternoon. TONS of fish stacked up but no one caught hardly anything the time I was there. There were plenty of people using everything from fly rods to spoons to minnows. With the even warmer temps yesterday I bet it really turned on. The fish were definitely there.

I would love to tag along with you guys. I don't know the likelyhood of me having my own craft by then though. I will firm things up with the boss before I start begging to bum a seat in someone else's boat though .