chambug

AWWWWWWWW.....you mean you didn't have a big ol' Ugly Stick with 20 lb. test line so you could wolf him in skippin across the top of the water? What a shame! (I'M smilin')

Depending on the size and shape of you anchor, (which should be coated, as Dutch said) buy a plastic paint-type bucket, put a layer of packing plastic "peanuts" in the bottom to set the anchor on, and drill drain holes in the bottom of the bucket. This was my method when I owned bass boats. If necessary to stabilize the bucket in a compartment, I used bungee straps.

Yuk!!!!! I think i'll stick to crappie and trout.

Once again you nailed it Dano!

More bad news on the spill....it has now been admitted by ExxonMobile that the leak was open for almost an hour rather than the 30 minutes they previously claimed. There is evidence that the spill has reached North Dakota. (Contrary to the "norm" in the U.S., the Yellowstone flows north and northeast rather than south or southwest.) The nagative consequences are increasing with every release of new information. What is really scary is the fact that oil companies have at least 80 locations in that area that cross rivers....some, or perhaps most, potentially subject to the same negative consequences. It appears that ExxonMobile tends to rationalize the possibilities of such happenings, exhibited by their lack of regular monitoring of the pipelines. ("Out of sight....out of mind?")

OTF, your fear is well-founded. They now say that the river will be affected as far as 10 miles downstream. Also, there has been, and will continue to be, extensive damage to other natural resources, including agricultural crops. When will they learn that trans-river pipelines should be above ground rather than beneath the river bed?

I've had the same experience at Lilley's!

I guess we can expect to hear of a monster fish kill on the Yellowstone River. Exxon-Mobile..... Go to yellowstoneriveroilspill

Right on, OTR! I had occasion to escort my wife to Walmart today, and out of curiosity I checked on the fly rod kits. The one I bought has been replaced by an Ambassador kit that looks a little better and sells for 29.95. If I upgrade I would like to have a bamboo. Any suggestions?

Sounds like you will be in the White River Valley part of the time. Be sure to chack out the areas between Meeker and Buford. Both have outfittters who wiil help you out. You are in for a treat. I wish you luck. Be sure to get lots of pictures.

The important thing is....you got you a rig that suited you at the time, and it worked for you. I hope you soon have the thrill of feeling a good-sized trout on your line, no matter what it cost. Besides, at least half the fun is being where the trout are and giving it your best shot...right?

Congratulations BigMinnow! Did you rent the equipment? If so, would you mind telling me what it cost you for an afternoon of outdoor pleasure at the beautiful places where fish exist? If you don't want to tell me, I understand. None of my business, but I'm just curious.

OTR, I appreciate your openmindedness in regard to beginnesr equipment, but your "junk" comment is funny. Ive fished right alongside dozens of fishermen at Taneycomo....and caught more then they did....on a $19.95 rig. Have done the same in Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. I don't badmouith the expensive equipment or those who use it, but it's comical to read how some would advise a beginner.

LOL....REALLY!!!! That's what they cost last time I checked. Once again, a "know-it-all" attitude might keep a fellow fly fisherman from getting a good deal. Check it out Flycaster....you might learn something.

Walmart has a package deal that includes rod, reel, floating line, tippet, and a few flies....all for $19.95. Why rent?

My experience has been Colorado, and the "Other" is Arizona....but I look forward to Montana and Wyoming one of these days.

All the above was very interesting. Thanks. This points out the essence of an anglers forum. chambug

Sounds good, Leonard.

Good stuff, Waterman. chambug

It's good to hear some good news, but I'll bet it didn't come without a lot of hard work. Congratulations!!!

Very true! And it is true of me and most men. I thank God for my wife every day. She has put up with me for 50 years next June. She joins me in prayer for Julie, Don, and all the family.

We join the many who are praying for Julie, and we rejoice that the first surgery went well and she is home. We will continue to pray as her health battle continues. God bless you too, Capt. Don, as you and the rest of the family do what needs to be done in Julie's behalf. chambug

The framers of our Constution were, in fact, born here but at the time of their birth they were still subject to the rule of England. They became American citizens when America became a sovereign nation after they declared their independence from England by ratifying the Declaration of Independence. This happened a full 284 years after the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. They eventually defeated the British army and sent them home with their tails tucked. Between 1492 and 1776 the colonies, which stretched from present-day Maine to Georgia, built cities, developed the Army, Navy, and Marines, and were self sufficient in every way. By this time the various colonies were comprised of settlers, including Scots, Welsh, Irish, Dutch, Swedes, Finns, Africans, French, Germans, Latins, Swiss, and English. They were subject to the Magna Carta, which was a just agreement with England which defined their relationship. However, King George, contrary to the Magna Carta, began to tax the colonies unjustly, so they rebelled. The rebellion resulted in the War of Independence, led by George Washington, and victory in that war established The United States of America as a free and independent nation. I challenge each of you to log into the site, Charters of Freedom and read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and The Bill of Rights for yourself.

Thanks for the post, Phil. Gives us a good perspective of the magnitude of your problem. Stay safe, and we will continue to pray for you and yours.