Jack Jones

My package arrived today too. Thank you very very much. I can't wait to put come of those on the line at the Delaware Access. I hope I get a chance to go one night this week. Company is coming this weekend so if not this week, then it may be a little while. Either way, I'm also going to try my Rio Versa-leader at the same time to get these down quick and hopefully tease some action up. Muchas Gracias pal.

My experience with the multi rig has been many foul hook-ups. It's essentially gigging for trout in my opinion. Throw enough hooks into those masses at Taneycomo and you're bound to pull something out.

I tend to use the same size tippet and dropper line simply because it is easier to carry one reel of tippet with me. When at Taneycomo, I am usually using 6x tippet. I tied directly to the hook of the first fly about 12-18" out and haven't had a problem with breakage in the line itself. Usually if I have a breakage problem, it's at the knot connection, or occasionally at the fly. I'm looking at switching from improved clinch to Orvis knot to fix that. Given the pull of some of these trout I've been considering 5x. Since the dropper is what gets hit most often, I don't see why it would be a problem to go one higher.

I hear quite a bit about jig fishing in Taneycomo, and I know that Phil's is the place to go for jigs. Can someone elaborate on methods, sizes, etc of using jigs? Assume I've just hit Taneycomo and tied on my leader, and I have a nice 1/100th size olive jig in my fly box.....what now?

I've been known to hit the banks of Taneycomo in a shirt and tie since I frequently forget to bring a change of clothes to work. It doesn't necessarily improve my hits, but I like to think that the classier, more discerning trout will be impressed and throw me a bone. Otherwise, I tend to wear earthier colors in plaid button downs.

I will be in Columbia for a conference from 9-15 through 9-17. While I have to attend the day sessions from about 9-5, the evenings are mine. I don't usually care for the hob-nob crowd and would rather do a little fishing. I have either spincast gear, or my 4wt TFO. Suggestions are welcome for places to go, and species to fish for. I've been looking around the MDC and state park websites, but nothing beats word of mouth and experience. So what are your experiences?

I have a few cracklebacks in my box, but rarely found them productive. Could it be I am fishing them incorrectly? I tend to fish them as drys with a dead drift. Should I be putting a little Xink or split shot on the tippet, let them sink a little, and strip? I'd love some advice on the best ways to fish this fly that I see mentioned often. Thanks in advance.

It is wonderful.....but if something "thumped my worm" while I was wading, I'd likely run to shore, LOL.

I hit the Delaware Access about 6:30 tonight. I cast my 4wt fly rod with buggers and poppers. I did better on the buggers. They seemed to like the bumble bee patterned one I had. Pulled in quite a few sunnies and a few rockies. Then I traded in the fly rod for my spincast. I threw a Strike King 1/8oz black/blue spinner as it started to get dark. Pulled in a nice 9in small mouth on it and a few rockies. No complaints about this quick mid-week jaunt.

Loved the video. Great report. I always learn a lot from folks who post like this.

To keep the wine fresh, and stop it from spilling....... I couldn't resist.

I bought a TFO Pro 8' 4wt that I love at the parks. I'm using Cortland 444 peach without issue. I've used it on Taneycomo without any problems. I understand why people like the bigger/heavier for a little more distance and power, but I truly love the fight so something like this has worked out well. Plus it's been good for the James and some local lakes in terms of panfishing fun. My 2 cents!

Loved the report. It really got me day-dreaming. Never been to that location on the James. Trying to place the 125 bridge. Can you just park on one side of it or the other and walk down?

That's some rough fishing. Especially in the heat. I certainly wish you better luck next time.

Can't speak for others, but I was unimpressed with Lanagan Park. The area was crowded with swimmers. Many of them were Hispanic so it was hard for me to communicate with them. Just didn't seem like a lot of extra space to fish but it may be different on different days.

What size War Eagle were you rocking Buzz? Spinners and buzzbaits?

Finally got out to the access today. Thoroughly unimpressed. Not worth the drive. I walked about and caught nothing on poppers and buggers. Could have been the day, but truthfully, if I'm gonna get skunked, I can get skunked a lot closer to home.

Went there this early evening from about 6 until the rain started. I was stripping buggers in black, chartreuse and brown. Got nothing out of it. Couldn't even get a bite and I walked up and down the river. Still the current felt good and the weather cooled down so it was nice.

Great report and very welcome to read. I've never fished downstream of the bridge. Only above from shore and yak. I may have to check that out. Tell me, are you a tyer or buyer when it comes to flies? I haven't done much in the way of bassin' with my fly rod, but intend to this fall. Wondered about a decent local source for the larger flies.

Ringer answered my PM and mentioned that he'd had no problem parking at the course. He also related that no one else he knew has either, but that you must leave before they lock the gate for the night. On that note.....anyone know what time they lock the gate?

Congrats to Jerry for winning, and thanks to you Tim for organizing it. I'm glad I participated.

Now that's just pretty. I like that one.

Within the next month or two I will be in the market for my first baitcasting outfit. I've done a little research on gear ratios, etc... My primary usage will be for plastics and spinnerbaits on rivers, wading creeks, and occasionally lakes from shoreline. I won't likely be out in a boat. I'd welcome some suggestions on a good value-priced reel, combo, or separates. I've seen everything from $59.99 combos to $249.00 and then some. I'd prefer to keep it in the $80-150 range if doable.

I've only used the dogwood canyon disc drag reel from them and I've never had a problem with it. If you're getting 40% of that price, it would be dirt cheap. Why pay more?

Just putting it out there because I hadn't heard anymore. Tim...if you're reading....please drop a post about the current status.