DaveMac

+1 duckydoty! I've fished with Hotdawg (a long time ago out of Bull Shoals Boat Dock- I won't he pretend he'd remember me, but I remember him!) and can tell you that he, like most guides on the White, release fish more quickly and properly than most of the clients, especially if they're hooked deeply. As for holding fish up for photos, again I'd prefer the experienced guide hold the fish than the client because they know how to do it as quickly as necessary to get the shot. They also encourage clients to release large fish, especially browns, rather than take them home, which is definitely a good thing. Otherwise, I couldn't agree more with troutfiend1985 that the fish that is handled least has the best chance of survival.

It's 9 degrees here in Omaha with a forecast for more snow early next week. Your article made my day!

I'm concerned any time a fish swallows the bait. Even when you cut the line, I'm never sure the fish will survive. This is why I almost always use artificials, expecially jigs with a single hook with the barb mashed down. I also like to release the fish without touching it if possible.

I'm the king of bad analogies. I actually don't even play golf, though I've often wondered if Rae's creek holds smallies.

Thanks for the info guys. I've wanted to develop the capacity, but fly fishing has seemed like golf. Lots of stuff needed to get started and such. The analogy holds true to the extent that you need to go to the driving range and practice before hitting the first tee!

Let's say I'm a newbie fly fisherman who went out and bought a cheap fly rig with the intention of lashing a small stream for smallmouth. To keep the smallies from laughing hysterically at me, what do you guys and gals think would be a good rig to get started with? Line weight, tippet, flies etc. I'd like to keep it simple if possible just to begin the learning process. My apologies if this question has been addressed before.

Thanks, Walleyedmike and Dano for taking a moment to welcome me to the forum. I have enjoyed reading some of your posts.

After discovering this forum and politely lurking around I have decided to join with the hope that, like coming upon a good fishing hole, I can find a spot and fit in without disruption. I lived in Little Rock during the 1980s and frequently fished Ozark streams for smallies and trout. Moved away to the east coast for 18 years to pursue fame and fortune (0/2, oh well) before moving to the midwest. After realizing that the Ozarks were once again within striking distance, I'm ready for a return to my roots. Although I usually take a few rainbows home when on the White, I'm a strictly catch-and-release barb-less hook type of guy. I'm planning to come down to Arkansas for a fishing-canoeing trip in May when my son gets through with his first year of college (he's a Cornhusker- Go Big Red!). He's done some saltwater fishing and gone down the White river with a guide for trout a time or two, but has yet to really experience Ozark streams to their fullest. My plan is to take him on the Buffalo and wade fish a couple of the smaller creeks. Looking forward to reading the forum and making some contributions to the discussions. This forum may be the only thing maintaining my sanity over these next few months. Regards, Dave Mac