Kelroy

Like MOPanfisher, I have had occupational exposure to the inflatables for many years. We also test and rearm ours every year. Manual-only is not allowed on my job. We did have the dissolving-pill (bobbin) with manual backup, but switched to the pressure-sensor type when they became available. Either style will inflate when you accidentally snag the pull cord on something. The bobbin style will deploy unintentionally if you get them close enough to water (such as with chest waders), and any time they are exposed to prolonged or acute dampness (rain, fog, being stored in a container along with wet waders etc). The pill itself is shaped like a donut, with a spring-loaded firing pin through the middle; as the pill dissolves the pin is released. The pill material is a chalky compressed powder, and repeated exposure to high humidity environments will degrade them over time, so they must be inspected periodically. It is also vulnerable to fracturing from impact. The pressure-sensor type is far more stable. Our in-pool tests show it takes a couple of seconds and/or a foot of water to make them deploy. If you go for a dive, you will be under for a couple seconds before you pop back up. Inflatables are great for most boating applications, but if you are one of those guys who likes to blast around at 60-70 mph, be warned that most are not speed-rated; in a hard impact with the water they might peel off right over your head. If you are concerned with the possibility of entering the water in an unconscious manner, the inflatables will positively roll you over into a face-up floating posture. Few foam vests will do that, since they are designed with more floatation material in the back than in the front. Typical fishing/ski vests are great for keeping you afloat, but many will roll an unconscious user into a face-down position.

Nice spinners, like that short arm design. Do they have any kind of rattles? I mod my night spinnerbaits with a 'clip-on' rattle in the eye at the tip of the arm.

That's a heck of a tube, looks to be about 30"? What brand/model bases do you prefer for the 700?

Lost Creek Bass Club is in Springfield, if you are interested in a B.A.S.S. affiliated club. You can find a link to their club website at mobass.com.

http://www.stlmsd.com/blog/public-asked-avoid-contact-meramec-river-between-fenton-and-mississippi-river

Don't forget, deer season starts the 14th. You may find all the parking areas transformed into campsites occupied by folks who, oddly enough, lack any kind of fishing gear. Just sayin ;-)

It is only accessible from the west (Army) side. It is at the base of a steep bluff- there are 'roads' off of J which run out on top of the bluffs, (scenic view of the bridge training lake) but hiking down from there is not an option. Also, these roads were bulldozed closed after 9/11, which is a shame as it was a sweet picnic spot.

I first saw them in Table Rock during the MO BASS state tournament a few years ago. The boater I drew out with was a local who had been fishing there for decades, and told me he had never even noticed them before. When I commented that we were passing through a school of jellyfish, he thought I was kidding. At the next year's state tournament, I also saw them in LOZ, and by coincidence, I had drawn out with the same boater. It seems they tend to hang near the surface this time of year.

There is indeed an equipment problem at the gage. I spoke with the Tulsa office and they are aware of the situation, and will send someone out for servicing as soon as scheduling permits. In the meantime, they will most likely zap the web display so as not to be reporting erroneous data to the public. Thank you for your diligence.

Right now, the Grand is at 743, but it needs to be in the 750's before the Elk gage is affected by backwater conditions. http://ok.water.usgs.gov/projects/webmap/grandlake/ There is the possibility of discrete recharge through vadose or groundwater seepage (vs surface recharge through visible springs) but I am not familiar enough with the local groundwater situation to say that is the case with any certainty. Scrolling back through the data, I see that it was measured on Aug 5 @‌ 1744hrs, GHt of 4.16 and measured flow of 422cfs. There is also a gap in the data, about 2hrs15min, preceding the measurement. Normally there is not a significant data gap unless the DCP fails to transmit, obvious invalid data is blocked from display, or major equipment is being repaired or replaced in conjunction with a site visit. It is possible that something needed service, with a routine check measurement following. Since it is an OK district gage, I don't know if they are running a bubbler, radar, or nitrogen system there. If it is an air or nitrogen system, it is possible that the readings are the result of problems within the system, perhaps an air pressure leak or fouling of the orifice line. However, in my experience, such problems tend to produce either very erratic data shifts, distinct 'stair-step' errors, or intermittent gaps where erroneous data spikes are automatically suppressed when they exceed normal thresholds. Since this rise seems to be fairly smooth and consistent (and only 3/10ths of a foot over 9 days) I would be inclined to think that the gage is operating normally, and what we are seeing is some discrete recharge, but that is merely a hunch.

The time-honored tradition of lubricating metal rod ferrules with 5W-20 Nostroil. Thank you Billethead for the troll down memory lane.

I only wear it in St Louis because that's the only place I've been where the locals tend to shoot people without warning or perceptible reason. Locally, the punks like to run their mouth a lot and work up to it; plenty of time to walk away. The only way to 'win' a gunfight is to avoid it completely. I have no problem with bravely running away if given the opportunity.

So, let's see if I got this straight- if a person wants to restrict my right to defend myself with a firearm, they get labelled a "liberal." And a person wanting to defend themself with a firearm, they get called a gun nut, nut-job, beyond crazy, and a Batman-wanna-be. Yeah, there's nothing childish or judgmental about that. The main problem i see with concealed carry is what I call "recreational carry." These are the folks with lax handling skills, poor marksmanship, a fashionable tactical wardrobe, and little or no understanding of the legal, social, and moral responsibilities necessary to walk through society with a concealed deadly weapon. These are the ones you hear about leaving their gun in a bathroom stall, or blowing their toes off, or carrying a firearm loose in their pocket or in a purse, or chasing the bad guys around the block. You may openly criticize such people all you want, for they deserve it. My disagreement begins when the assumption is made that ALL carriers are in that same category. CCW is not for the timid. It cannot be done in a completely safe manner, except to carry with an empty chamber, which carries its own set of risks. Carrying a loaded weapon on your belt, in your waistband, in a purse, wherever it is- that loaded weapon is aimed somewhere all the time, and the carrier must "own" that bullet if and when it leaves the barrel. That is the fundamental responsibility that must be embraced if a person chooses to carry. It requires a level of situational awareness that some people are not comfortable with, and if you choose not to carry because you recognize that limitation in yourself, then I applaud your wisdom. You are ahead of the curve. But please, do not lump all of us in the same basket. Just because one person can't or won't or shouldn't carry, that doesn't apply to everyone. And Wrench, I only wear my level 3A when I have to go to St Louis. And let me tell ya, it's a b*tch in this heat.

If you are talking about the USGS gage on the Arkansas (station number 07164500) it is on the Hwy 244 bridge. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/nwismap/?site_no=07164500&agency_cd=USGS You can use the blue bar labeled "Available data for this site" to access a pull-down menu; location map is at the top of the list. ~K

Exactly right. Discharge by itself is only a viable indicator if you are very familiar with the channel characteristics and control features for a given stream cross section. Width, depth, substrate, and gradient all factor in. There really is no substitute for familiarity and experience. And let's not forget that people in general can vary a great deal in terms of their wading abilities and limitations; height and weight (think surface area X density X resistance to flow), dexterity, and overall strength and muscle tone all play a part. Try to stay within the 'rule of ten.' At any given spot, if the depth (ft) times the mean velocity (fps) is less than or equal to 10, it is probably safe to wade. If you are not good at estimating velocity and wish to measure it (using a stopwatch to time an object floating past a known distance, perhaps one or two rod-lengths) multiplying the surface velocity by 0.8 will get you very close to the mean velocity. Seems like a lot of bother, but good to check if you're not sure. Better safe than soggy. Unfortunately, trying to decipher 'the numbers' for any particular place would be an exercise in frustration unless you've actually been there to witness those conditions firsthand.

Our entire office has switched over from the dissolving-disk type to the new pressure-sensor type. They cost a bit more, but so far in annual testing they rate 100% reliable, plus there have been zero accidental inflations. When we first got inflatables years ago, we had an epidemic of unintended inflations ranging from storing them next to wet waders, wading an inch too deep, and getting the manual cord snagged in the brush. Another good point is that the inflatables will absolutely float you face-up if you are unconscious. Many fishing/ski vests have more foam in the back, which can roll an unconscious person face-down.

Look like common carp to me, gold tint, high back, eyes in the right place. Heck, last year there was even one of those orange-and-white koi cruising around. Take a walk around the shallow cove on the Northeast side and see if they're up in there.

Lion's Club lake has a few big ones that cruise the banks. In fact, that's about the only fish I see in there any more. Try between the island and the bridge, and the NE cove.

Don't know if you fellas ever use this map, but it's very useful for checking stage trends by drainage basin. A quick glance will show you what areas are above or below average flow. Plus, you can mouse over each gage and get the current GHt/cfs, and click on it to go to that page. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/rt

dt- location of James River/Springfield gage- http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/nwismap/?site_no=07050700&agency_cd=USGS location of James River/Boaz gage (just above Shelvin Rock) http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/nwismap/?site_no=07052250&agency_cd=USGS James River/Galena is on the downstream side of the Y bridge- http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/nwismap/?site_no=07052500&agency_cd=USGS Upper/Left corner of map has the zoom control.

Actually, I use a #1 or #2 EWG for small dropshot, even in open water where I'm sure I could get away with an open nose hook. If I know there's brush to hit, I Texas rig with an offset shank round bend with a pegged bullet or a bullet with the corkscrew on the back. I'm a snagmagnet.

I read in a few articles where some of the pros like to flip/pitch to bedding bass with a heavy dropshot. Now, I'm not a real big advocate of dragging a lure through a nest- that's another topic- but it does help illustrate that the technique is a lot more versatile and adaptable than most give it credit for. I can recall back in the 60's, my dad used the same hook-over-sinker setup (with a treble) tightlining for drum and catfish on the Gasconade. I'm pretty sure spoonbill snaggers have used the same arrangement, only on a massive scale, and with a lot more effort. I imagine some river bluff cave-dweller tied the rock to the bottom of the vine tens of thousands of years ago, so we can give them proper credit too. Paleo-shotting. I must admit I've never been tempted to toss a ds rig around a dock, as I usually associate docks with brush. In my experience, dunking a dropshot rig, especially with those needle-sharp "nose hooks," into a brushpile is a quick one-way trip. But, if one 'knows' the dock, then fire away. I think a fella could probably lay into a mess of crappie like that, too.

You could even double up, using a swivel above the hook and a swivel hook too. I think any time you have a lure hanging off to one side and pull it through the water, you're going to get twist. Baitcasters tolerate the twist better but still, I'd go for that ounce of prevention too. The Bass University and several other sites have how-to videos that should offer some insight on line twist and faster line stripping techniques. TBU listed a 47 minute vid on dropshotting and powershotting. Be sure to check in and give us a progress report!

1962 sounds right, followed by the army around 64. The USAF version was the original ArmaLite AR-15, designated M-16 by Colt. It lacked the chrome-lined chamber and forward assist mechanism of the army's M-16A1. It also retained the original three-prong flash supressor which was replaced by the A1-s birdcage. Interesting influence the USAF had on M16 design. The original AR15 had a 1/14 rifling twist which stabilized the 55gr bullet in flight but allowed it to tumble upon impact. During testing, it was found that in sub-zero temperatures the poor ballistic coefficient of the 55gr bullet caused a serious degradation of accuracy, and the rifling twist had to be increased to 1/12 to compensate. At more normal temps, the 1/12 twist over-stabilized the bullet and reduced it's tendency to tumble, thus reducing it's lethality. (The sub-zero performance was important for the USAF's consideration, for deployment at some of it's colder air bases) Since the AOB already hated the M16, it wasn't about to tolerate the logistical hassles of having two different issue barrels for the same weapon, so all M16s were required to use the faster 1/12 twist. Thus, the weapons we sent to fight in the jungle were actually modified to fight in sub-zero temps. Typical government bureaucracy.

The Army Ordnance Board absolutely hated the AR15 because it was designed by a private outside entity, the ArmaLite division of Fairchild. The AOB's idea for a lightweight, select-fire weapon was to rechamber the M2 carbine by necking it down to .22 caliber (5.7 Johnson etc) The fledgling NATO alliance was looking to standardize a service weapon/caliber and most were in favor of the British EM2 bullpup and its intermediate .280 cartridge. The AOB managed to ram the .308 down NATO's throat, so the M14's position was secured for awhile, but the upstart AR was seen as a direct threat to the AOB's entire business model. The resulting field trials were deliberately stacked in the M14's favor, by order of the AOB. Many of the test ARs were sabotaged, being completely stripped and reassembled using nonstandard parts (such as coathanger wire to pin the front sight base) After it was adopted into service, it was tragically shipped to troops in the field (who had trained on the M14) without any training manuals, instructions, or even cleaning supplies. A rumor was circulated that the rifle was 'self-cleaning' and some troops were even told to oil the cartridges to prevent jamming. To further it's woes, the AR was designed to function with the military's new Improved Military Rifle powder, but the issue ammo was rushed to production loaded with leftover Ball C2, causing excessive cyclic rates, chamber pressure, heat, and carbon buildup. Many saw all these problems as a continuation of the AOB's campaign to discredit the AR, and they were accused of criminal negligence (Ichord comission). The Air Force's adoption was a backdoor maneuver to get the weapon into service. Eugene Stoner managed to stage a demonstration of the weapon (at a cookout for various military brass, where participants were allowed to shoot watermelons) and one of the weapon's new advocates was Curtis LeMay, hence the Air Force being the first to officially adopt.