John Wenzlick

I would say the regs. are doing what they are supposed to. On NFWR where gigging isn't allowed, they don't stock rainbows and there are some pretty big healthy fish. Where I fish on the Upper Meramec it is a Red Ribbon area, is regularly stocked plus has escapees from the Trout Park and you don't see many big rainbows. I have seen or suspected personally that fish under the 18" limit get poached and I know by the actions of some jet boaters that they ocassionally run limb lines. It is heavily gigged in season and I know some of the bigger rainbows get gigged, have seen gig marks on rainbows. I appreciate how good stewards you are on the NFWR and that is why it is such a great fishery. Even though you can't gig in your own backyard you are better off than a lot of other Mo. waters. Just my $ .02.

Phil, Thanks for letting me know about the dredging proposal, I hadn't heard anything. We have a Mid-Mo Board and TU meeting tonight, I'll see if I can get an update. Hopefully Chris Vitello's letter will have a positive effect on the COE.