Jack Jones

A buddy of mine in school used to be a Conservation agent and he would tell stories of the poachers. He once had a State Highway Patrol Sergeant try to use his badge to excuse his lack of a fishing license. My buddy, honest to a fault, wasn't having it and advised him to put his badge away and leave before he had to write the citation. Just goes to show it's a dirty world.

Justin there is some truth to what you're saying. At some point the big stores had what the little ones didn't and they built themselves up. However, once they sucked you in and killed off the competition now they can dictate to you what's available instead of the other way around. It is, unfortunately, all about the bottom line. It's not really capitalism when they are realistically the only competitive game in town. Remember, a lot of the little guys never had aspirations to become a giant. They just wanted to make a good living at the thing they enjoyed. I'm all for capitalism, but only if it's tempered with social responsibility, and these corporations have shut their eyes to that. I am the 99%!!!!

Actually Mhall, I had the clutch replaced at 166,000. I would have assumed it would have lasted longer. You're the only one who responded to the post. I sure wish I had some more info to go on. It's always hard picking a mechanic for potentially major work without having serious input.

When I was in St. Louis recently, I went to the Cabela's there. What a difference. They had a very nice fly selection and the prices were reasonable. I think BPS is way overpriced for most of what I want. I go there less and less. I'm more inclined to hit River Run Outfitters when I'm at Taneycomo or Tim's when I head to Roaring River. I don't have a preference when I'm in Lebanon other than to say Reading's scares me . More and more, I stick to online retailers that I've seen recommendations for on the board if it's stuff I don't need right this minute. Hell, even BPS boat section is awful.

My commuter car, a 2000 Ford Focus with 212k on it appears to be having transmission issues. It shifts smooth (manual transmission), but depressing the accelerator results in revving with no corresponding acceleration. It also hates hills now. I usually can't get it above 55 or 60 coming up from Branson on 65 without a hell of a running start. I've resigned that it's probably going to cost a bit. However, anyone out there have any recommendations on shops in the Springfield area (down into Ozark or Nixa) that does quality, reasonably priced work and that won't over-repair..

When I'm out fishing I'm less concerned about the pot smokers, and more about the drinkers. I've encountered to many drunk fisherman who just get belligerent and loud. When my kiddo and I floated the Gasconade this year, there were about 7 of them, in their 20-30's with two boats tied together and lawn chairs in them to sit on. They were all pretty drunk, hooting and hollering. All of that said, I've been known to enjoy a nip or two out on the water, but only one or two. As for the law enforcement, I don't see it at Bennett but I've often seen them at Roaring River.

Please tell me more about this....where it is....what it involves....I may be interested in showing up for a bit.

I'm often down that way and have my fishing gear. It was easier in the summer when it was light out after work. Now it will be dark. I may not be dissuaded though. For me, I'd love to learn more about access points on lower taneycomo, tips on fishing it from shore, whether going out on the weekend in a kayak would be worth it, and that sort of thing! Ideas on Swan Creek, the area just below Powersite Dam, and such would be welcomed by me also. So, Fred....post all you like and know it will be appreciated.

I realize that the whole float trip thing is a predominately summer activity. It seems from the websites of a few I looked at that they called their season's end recently. Can anyone recommend a few places that might be open year round for camping, a float trip, and some fishing?

I would go for that Quillback if you provide the boat, and the pointers for us non-lake fishers, non-boat owners, and overall noobs.

I switched from RIO powerflex to Orvis Mirage. I know one is mono, and on fluoro but I can say I've have much better luck with the Mirage in terms of hook sets, knot strength, and overall landing of fish. I've also tried many leaders, and found Orvis nylon leaders to be very good as well. I tend to be brand loyal once I've found something that works, and for me Orvis is it.

I'd check out Larry's Cedar Resort at http://bennettspring.com/. You can't get much closer unless you are actually in the park. They are pretty well maintained and their shop is pretty good too. Or if you really want no frills, the Day's Inn or Traveler's Inn is pretty cheap, LOL.

I have no answers for you but that experience tells me it is helpful to say what you were fishing for if you want to have the wisdom of the ancients bestowed on you, LOL. Wading in the dark is always a scary proposition, even if you know the water.

Wrench, that last bit sounds real good. Thanks for the advice on this strange topic.

So last week I'm casting my 6wt line with a White River 5x, 7.5' leader from BPS. No problem on the chuck and duck nymphing, but when I tied on a crackleback I could get it to straighten out on the forward cast. I'll grant that there was a light breeze, but I tried every direction. The fly line would unfurl with no problem, but the leader would not extend. It just fell in a pile at the end of the cast. I'll chalk some of that up to not being a great caster, but anyone else have any other suggestions. I fished the same rod/line the other week with a different 5x 9' leader and didn't seem to have this issue. Could it be that the White River leaders just aren't that great?

Just a question as a Bennett noob....is there a map that shows where all these colloquially named areas are? Maybe one similar to Phil's maps for Taneycomo or Roaring River? I went through the threads and found one way back on page 8, but it was never really published as a separate link. It also didn't seem to include all the names. I read the thread that was posted in January, where they are described, but a map would certainly help visualize it. It would be helpful to someone new to BSSP both for fishing and to appreciate the conversations on the board here.

Wrench, that sounds more like a rough Saturday night out than a fly selection. Maybe that's why I'm not catching them, lol

I'll vouch for Tim's. Bought a nice fly rig there earlier this year and no pressure at all. He's got the info on the flies to use, and the gear to use. You may be tempted to go with the concessionaire, and I'll confess, they are good for some things, but support your local fly shop. Stop into Tim's and you'll be happy with the knowledge and selection.

I'll bite, in no particular order: For trout: 1. hair's ear 2. copper john 3. pheasant tail 4. crackleback 5. scud For Bass: 1. Woolly Bugger (black or charteuse bead head) 2. red and white poppers 3. Sneaky Petes 4. Clouser Minnows (chartreuse/white, white/silver, black/blue) 5. muddler minnow's

One last word...............cracklebacks.

Okay....as I've said before in other posts, I've never had much luck nymphing. My set up seems fine. I use either the football indicators or the old-school teardrop/toothpick ones with a one or two nymph rig. I try to watch my line closely, but I never seem to be able to detect any action. Either (a) they don't like what I'm presenting (somewhat unlikely, but not impossible), or ( I just don't know when to catch the hook and fail to see the take (much more likely). Anyone out there have any pointers on learning to determine when to set the hook or how to detect strikes better when throwing nymph rigs? I want to improve, but I just find nymph fishing frustrating. Also, maybe it's my eyes, but I truly don't see how people sight fish with nymphs the size of a 16-20 CJ or hare's ear. I lose sight of them in the water quick.

I love the site. It is very easy to navigate. Congrats on having the courage and the tenacity to do this. A few observations I have.....here in the Land of Taneycomo, grey scuds are the word. I've never had as much success on olive. Second, when clicking on your wet flies section it states no products available. Nothing is more frustrating than perusing a site and finding empty the sections you may be looking for. I would suggest considering eliminating a heading until you have stock, rather than leave it empty. Makes the site seem more complete. My opinion only and that's worth what you paid for it. On the flip side, depending on how many flies I lose this weekend, I may be ordering soon.

managed the third one just because it reminded me of sharks. Had no clue on the first two. I may have an advanced degree, but I am NOT smarter than a 4th grader.

I guess it all depends on what you're fishing for. I know when fishing for trout, it's been tough for me to set the hook on dry fly pickups, but when I'm fishing buggers, cracklebacks, or other wets, they almost hook themselves when they take it. I just wait until I feel the resistance on the strip. Also, if the line stops drifting, I'll short strip and that hooks then. As far as nymphs, and such, I'm a disgrace on hooksets with those. Can't even usually detect a take. That's my experiences. Learn from them as you will.

"Boy...the way Glenn Miller played..........songs that made the Hit Parade......................."