Jack Jones

I just happen to have a package of Zoom Flukes in pearl. How are you all rigging it? I was going to go with either a 3/0 hook weightless (but that'd be tough to cast) or a slider hook that has the weight attached.

Good luck with getting a designated paddler! Oh how I wish we could all have one. Shame these outfitters don't rent them out, LOL. Be interested to know how it's looking at RLR.

Or....they could be out fighting crime, which given the number of shootings and such this year, wouldn't be a bad idea. Always going after the low hanging fruit though........................

My go to plastic right now is a 4 in pumpkin finesse worm on a shakey head. It seems to produce well in the waters I've used it. I wanted to get an idea of what others like in terms of plastics for the smallmouths. Preferences on baits, colors, sizes, etc....Feel free to share.

I actually had some free time today. I took the kayak out for the first time this season. I put in at Hootentown and paddled up about 40-45 minutes. Got to a stretch that was flowing pretty well and decided I didn't want to put in that much effort. One day I hope to paddle up from Hootentown to the M Bridge and float back, but that seems like quite a ways. I caught......................................a sunburn. Well, besides that I managed one 12in largemouth. Put up a good fight and I enjoyed it. Got another on the hook but he threw it. Both on a 4 inch pumpkin finesse worm on a 1/8th Arkie shakey head. Threw a beetlespin and a 1/8oz chartruese Strike King spinner but nothing on those. Saw lots and lots of turtles on almost every rock and branch. It was quiet, nice breeze, and just an all out fun day.

No problems here. I like them.

With regards to Al's suit, I don't think the few thousand is a excessive at all. I'm going to assume his lawyer doesn't work for free and with average rates these days of $150 - $225 per hour for legal services, you need to make that kind of recovery to cover the expenses of suing. With regards to Lilley's, without knowing anything else than what's he's said, the guy does sound like the jerk. Chief, the newspaper would be public record, if Lilley want's to share the date of publication and the paper he saw it in we could all look it up. As for the suit, most likely it was filed and upon settlement dismissed, so there may not be a record of it that's available publicly.

Been following this thread and it answered my question about Rich's that I'd set up a separate thread for. Don't forget to give a report Casey. I'd love to know how Wilderness Ridge checks out.

I'm looking to maybe take my kid to either of these for one of their package deals. Apparently they do two night/three day midweek packages where you get a cabin, and a float trip. Has anyone stayed at either of these to maybe report on which they preferred and why?

Give me a defibrillator and a Big Tater Hill to go please!!!!!!!!!!! Menu looks fun. Have to try them next time I hit Taneycomo.

I've heard it's right on track. I'm pretty excited for it since it is closer and I've always liked them a bit better than Walmart of Fishing (a.k.a. Bass Pro Shops). The one in St. Louis is pretty nice, for a store at a mall. I'd like to hit the one in Kansas City at some point. No question it will be a great addition to the area. I assume all the management positions were piped in long before the planned opening, but who knows. If you hear anything, post it. I can't wait to see it.

I thought the windy locals are what gave the Ozarks its character, LOL

Lovin it JoeD! As someone who has never camped outside of the backyard, LOL and who wants to, you help remind me of why motels are awesome, LOL!!!!

That may be true woodman but finding someone to craft said boat is a whole other story. Trust me, if there were woodworkers out there bulding nice solo canoes that weighed less than 45 pounds and were reasonably priced, I'd consider them. They certainly look nicer.

Hey Andrew, what flies were you fishing for both your floating and sinking lines? I'd love to get an idea of what works at Fellows. Also, type/length of leader?

Awesome thread here. I narrowed my selection down to the Guide 119, Mohawk Solo 13, or Pack (if found used). Obviously the 119 has the advantage price wise. However, the Mohawk and the Pack have the advantage weight wise. Realistically I'll probably settle for the 119. One of the greatest disadvantages down here in the Ozarks is a lack of real paddlesport retailers. The kind that are set up on lakes and/or rivers where you can test out the products before your buy them. I figure whatever I get, I'll likely get a T-Handle converter like this: http://www.mohawkpaddle.com/bentshaftpaddles.aspx, and keep my current kayak paddle to use to paddle upstream, then just convert for the downstream ride. Got a day off coming up in a week and a half on a Tuesday. God-willing, I'll be able to get up to Kansas City and check out some boats. I'll be sure to call first though.

I also tend to go with 2/0 on the 4' worms. Although I prefer some form of jig head in 1/8th oz size to give it the weight.

My understanding is that any craft needs a permit.

Can't speak about RV camping, but I did go floating out of there last summer. The place looked very clean. The playground equipment looked a little older, but I don't know if that's an issue with you. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The bath/shower room that I changed in was clean also.

My 3 yr old loves that show. We watched the River Monsters: Unhooked episode the other night when he fished for eels with a chunk of meet and fish wrapped in wool thread. The concept being that the eels teeth get caught in the wool and they can be reeled in and dragged ashore without having to use a hook. I think it had to do with regulations in New Zealand. Either way, the crazy guy put on a kevlar suit, slathered himself in fish guts, and waded into the river. darn eerie to see the eels congregate around him and then start nipping. I wouldn't do it. Glad we don't have those around here. Does anyone think that the wool bait would work on some of our toothier fish? Muskies, maybe?

Not to jack the thread to much, but I wonder if this has any relevance to what you saw: http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-14000-fish-killed-in-midmissouri-creek-20120411,0,1501603.story

6'6" med rod with spinning reel on it and 6 lb SpiderWire.

I took a package of 1/8th Arko Shaky Head jigs to Shadowrock today and fitted them with some Zoom Finesse Worms. I did okay with them, but noticed that many times I was just not getting the hook set, or I'd have them hooked but they would throw it before I got them to hand. Has anyone else experienced this with the shaky heads? Am I just setting the hook improperl? Too hard?

We get a lot of good size brown spiders in the grass and near the base of the house. Once in a while they come in, but more likely in the autumn. Can't say that they are anything other than common garden spiders. Still, I don't like them. I keep my distance from them and they keep their distance from me. Ever since I had one of those fuzzy wolf spiders fall on me at my Grandmother's boat house when I was a kid, anytime I see a spider I just assume that (1) it wants to bite me, (2) it will bite me and (3) I will die a painful death from the bite. Keeping that as my mindset has served me well for years. When at the pumpkin patch we go to in Marshfield last year I saw a yellow and black garden spider. Biggest darn spider I ever saw. Emailed a photo to my sister back in the Northeast and she just chalked it up to another reason to avoid Missouri. Have to see if I can find the photo and I'll post it.

I went there for about 45 minutes after work this evening. I was there around 7:15 or so. I fished a larger white Bettle Spin down near the bridge. Maybe it's the cold front or just lack of interest but I only caught one smaller (8 in. or so) bass. Was going to stay longer, but it was getting chilly and I wasn't dressed for the weather.