vernon

When we pulled out of Still Waters last Friday night, their main ramp by their marina was already unservicable. The water would have been over the hood of the Tahoe before the trailer would have been deep enough to load the boat. However, the "south" ramp on the other side of the property was just fine and I can't imagine that it wouldn't still be now. Pretty steep grade and at least 60 - 70 feet of ramp was out of the water when we pulled out - probably more. A 10' - 30' slip was $21 per night and the docks were extremely nice although security is only provided at the main marina dock. Biggest drawback was there were kids all over the place - docks, parking lot, you name it. One morning when I went down there were two of 'em about eight years old standing on the back deck of the Ranger. For some reason they never were seen around the boat or dock again the rest of the week although I can't for the life of me imagine why? Again, it is private though.

I called the place that we're staying (Branson Yacht Club at Rock Lane) and while the guy that I talked to didn't seem overly knowledgeable, he did say that they're ramp was no good but marina access was fine if we could get the boat in the water. However, I've launched at their place numerous times and really don't see why it would be a big deal to launch off of their parking lot unless it's a little too flat that high up. I've fished over around Cow Creek a million times but haven't ever been there by land. Coming from Springfield, would it be easier to take 13 to 86 as opposed to coming down 65? I was trying to Mapquest it but apparently the folks at that fine website don't fish much!

No kidding, same here. Danged guides and their "pro" secrets. Of course Bill might find out that they changed the secret handshake on him now that he's tipped us hacks off to the deal!

Is it that big of a deal to just launch from one of the parking lots of the ramps that are submerged? It's been awhile since it's been necessary but I know we've done it in the past at Truman, Bull Shoals, Greers and a couple of others. In fact, parking has usually been the only issue when launching from parking lots or access roads since the parking lots are shrunk or completely gone. We typically just use the outboard to get off of the trailer and then run the troller until it's obvious that we're clear of shoreline underwater hazards and then proceed as per usual. I ask because when we get there tomorrow we'll be slipping the boat for the week so all we need to do is dump the boat and then meet back at the resort where we can drop the trailer in the resort trailer parking and we're good to go. So, we don't need to park for the day - just get the boat in the water. We're staying on Indian Point but locations really isn't that important. Looks like a nice day for a boat ride anyways! Thanks!

This statement should not Pass Go, should not pay $200 but should go DIRECTLY to the Ozark Anglers.com Hall of Fame. Maybe even be inscribed about the entrance............. Tolerance is us after all.

Ahhh. So YOU'RE the ONE!

Now that's just mean............. And saying "Just kidding" afterward does NOT make it OK. Hand holding brothers have feelings too!

The total "acceptance" and tolerant attitude of this forum is what keeps me coming back. Never an ounce of criticism or skepticism around here! Although I might put a grocery bag over my motor next week just in case.......

Kathy was with me last week when we were down and caught quite a few fish and all were on the Ned. She's pretty low maintenance on the water - if the fish are biting decent then she's in, otherwise she's just fine with a book or a magazine. She's got a small (relatively anyways) collection of her own favorite lures, ties her own stuff and only asks for help unhooking fish when she's afraid of hurting one is it's hooked a little deep. However, this week my brother's coming with me and he's a pain in the butt and a big baby and I have to hold his hand the entire time. Not really, but he doesn't follow the forum very often so I can get away with saying whatever I feel like! You're right about that topwater deal though. Kathy caught her first TW fish on a Pop-R back a hundred years ago and getting her to try anything else during topwater fishing is just about impossible now. It they don't hit the stuff on top sometime in the next week I don't know when the heck they're gonna do it!

Roger that! It's been a while since the weatherman was so friendly. Just came back in the house for a break from prepping the boat and tow vehicle as the anticipation builds. Days like today make me miss my single days when we just couldn't resist the urge and hooked up the boat and took off two days early! Even slept in the vehicle a couple of times. Of course, if I tried that now I'd be divorced and sleeping in the vehicle every night! The more I think about it, it wasn't really all that much fun anyways........

I don't know about that but I sure don't think a guy ought to pee out the boat in that area! Wowza!

Sounds good Mike, I'll do it! Little brother (not so little) and I will be in my shiny, almost still new Z521c. Silver with blue striping and deck. Although that big 'ol silver toaster oven on the back is the dead giveaway! Ain't no hiding that G2 amongst all those Merc's. We'll be staying on the east side of Indian Point on Rock Lane so we will definitely be infringing on one another's territorial waters pretty frequently. I'm leaving the Tomahawks at home this trip though so no worries........

In reality, about the only thing that changes is that now we're pretty much being forced to be as aware and cautious as we should be all the time. Well, except for having to drive all over the place looking for boat ramps! And flooded picnic tables and outhouses.......

Hey! I'm sitting in my mom's basement behind a big danged keyboard and I'll call anybody I want an Ox, a moron or a whatever else I want and there ain't nothin' that you or anybody else can do about it! Ever! Putz!

What you said. Can't wait to get back down Saturday - come heck or high water! No wonder they call you "Champ"!

Ain't that one of those, whaddyacall, "oxymorons"? Although I agree completely!

Hard to believe that your spring trip is already in the books after all of the preparation and anticipation! Sounds like it was a typical success though and with the usual bizarre weather and storms. And the not so usual (but not unusual either) high water and flooding. Have a safe trip home and now you can start prepping for the next excellent adventure! How far did you have to go to get the tug out of the water?

If past experience is any help we have always had really good trips once things stabilize after rapid and significant rise in the water level. In the past, a warming trend like what is forecast for the next six or seven days coupled with high water has been really, really good for larger than average fish. Not huge fish mind you but just an increase in the average size from 13" and 14" fish to maybe 16" and 17" fish (those 3 pounders you referred to) which has always seemed pretty significant to us. Maybe more important (and fun) is that the different styles of fishing seem to become effective in the higher water - spinnerbaits and topwaters for one thing! Now I don't mind Ned and other finesse type styles at all and they will likely still work just fine, it's just that nothing beats ripping spinnerbaits through tree tops and bushes or getting those massive explosions on top water baits! Good luck to us both! I'm getting excited.

I dunno man, I've gotten some pretty shaky intel from that Siri dude in the past. I had a friend that used to give directions by telling you where NOT to turn. "OK, you know where the second stop light is there by the Kmart? "Yeah". "Well, don't turn there or anything - just keep going."

More good news. I like it. Rain, rain go away, and stay away the rest of May!

Did you ever stop to think that you might be the legitimate one? That mailman dude gets around ya' know!

Yep, probably so since they don't deliver milk or ice anymore.

Do you mean "calculus"? Spelling! Ain't goin' there either! And I don't blame you..........

My brother made that very mistake. His place gets killed. I've been up there on Saturday afternoons when it sounded like a hail storm! Good news is he gets lots of free golf balls!

Well put. I realize that this is not nearly the same thing but it is an analogy of sorts. I live in a house on a golf course. Naturally, it gets hit by errant golf balls on a semi regular basis. In my opinion it just goes with the territory and I knew that going in. If a window gets broken I pay to get it fixed and that's the end of it. At least until the next time. However, I have neighbors that have literally thrown punches with guys who have hit their houses with stray shots. And there is absolutely no reasoning with them. They call the police if a guy so much as sets foot in their yard to retrieve a golf ball. My point is, don't live on a golf course if you're worried about your house getting hit by a golf ball. Likewise, if you live in a flood plain or or own property at waters edge you're probably going to experience flooding at some point or another. Most realize and understand the inherent risks while others refuse to accept the obvious consequences and need someone else to blame. Most of the folks on Taneycomo just believe that it's all worth it in the end and they love living there. Nonetheless, I have great sympathy for what they're going through at the moment. I prefer to repair windows.