Daryk Campbell Sr

I have not seen any fish that have gig marks, haven't been on the river in quite a while. I am of the belief that it "could" be something other than giggers/poachers, maybe eagles, motor props ect. That being said, why is it that only one species of fish seems to be affected? All fish could be hit by a prop, could be bit by turtles, grabbed by eagle's talons. I realize that most who are reporting are seeking smallmouth above all else, but no one is reporting seeing it on sunfish, trout, or catfish. By seeing some of the marks, I would guess most of these 'got away', it only stands to reason that other species would show the same marks be it something other than giggers/poachers. Again, I believe if these pictures were plastered on the notification boards in and around the areas they are found in, the ones resposible will think twice, and maybe quit alltogether. Conservation officers are limited on what they can do. We the fisherman/women, can help in our own ways. Lets be proactive in getting the message out that we know what is happening. What can it hurt?

Looking very nice. I'm sure it will turn out very well.

I was thinking the dam would collapse due to the force of the water. All of these years Hollywood has had me confused.

Seen a few of them in tanks like this one. I have never caught or seen one in the wild.

I have not used them yet, I do enjoy catfishing above all else. I know there are many different things that work in dough balls, but I think yours is first time I've seen sardines in the recipe. Thank you for sharing.

I would like to add, do your best to protect anything that has not been damaged. Such as put tarps over any holes in the roof, cover any windows, secure things that may be looted to the best of your ability. Insurance companies will not pay for "Neglect". They consider neglect to be lack of protection from the homeowner. Do not put youself in danger while trying to protect your home just the same. Your life is worth so much more than any material things.

Wow, that sure did not seem like 30 mins. Thank you for sharing.

Just be careful with those tater guns. Been a few months, A small time ago I read in the local paper, a couple of kids/teens were playing with a potato gun, (they used another name) and were to be charged with a possible FELONY for discharging a FIREARM inside of city limits. I do not know what the final verdict was, and I understand the definition of Firearm in the state of MO, and it does include the mechanics of a potato gun, but a FELONY seems to me to be outragous. City was Arnold, MO for those wondering. The paper was the Jefferson County Leader. Long and short, since it lists a police dept, not County Sherriff (which this may be), use caution. Small towns don't like outsiders as it is. Felony is for life.

How about putting signs with pictures of the gigged fish in the areas that they have been found. There are many notice boards that have plenty of space. If the ones who are doing it realize that someone is on to them, maybe they will think before they do it again. Whether it was intentional, mistaken breed etc., if they see that these fish are not just disapearing and out of sight out of mind, they would make better choices. It will also alert others who use the area to be on the lookout for this type of activity. Enforcement starts with the average angler. This is OUR resource, WE must protect it if we wish to continue to use it. You have to stand for something or you will fall for anything.

LOL " Here Eat It" . By the way, belated happy birthday.

Larry, I am also from STL, and know that BPS and Cabellas can be a drive. Maybe that is why you are going online. I found a decent pair of thigh high waders from Bucheits for approx $50.00. Dunns sporting goods also has some deals. I use mine in the creeks around Jeffco, and have used them in Roaring River. I use sweat pants with wool socks in cold waters. The sweats keep me warm and keep the chafing down. Mine have rubber soles and I have never used felt soled, nor studded soles. I am not "experienced" in any way. Just wanted to try to help where I felt I could.

5 stars rated. Very much appreciated. Good job catching, Great job educating about swallowed hooks.

A Rig for President 2012!!

I used to fish on the slough Off of DD at a bridge. We would park on the side of the road and walk down to the slough, walk up a bit and fish around the bend. Some channel cat, white carp and a northern hog sucker were caught. Wasn't bad. Never used plastics in those days, just night crawlers. Now they have a no parking sign on the shoulders of that bridge. Being compliant, I have not been back.

The picture at 4:23 is amazing. WOW Good song too.

The horizontal presentation kinda looks like the result of the flying lure. Neat idea. Thank you for sharing.

Big river is wadable in some areas, some may be to deep. You also have access to Joachim Creek which is wadeable in some areas. I know there is a faster time to Dent Co. by taking Hwy 21south to Hwy 8west to Hwy 19south. Or you can go Hwy 21south to Hwy 32west to Hwy 19south. Kinda depends on where you want to end up. If you get car sick, then take 44, otherwise it is a nice ride down some nice secondary highways. I have not been to the Mineral Fork. I live in Festus and drive around the Hillsboro area often. There are a few nice access points to the Big River from Hwy 21. One is in Washington State park, they also have a boat launch (free).

B O A T (acronym) Stands for: Bust Out Another Thousand. Not my quote, heard it on Pawn Stars.

Very good!!, may I add, Younger folks seem to be attracted to it , thinking there may be something to it. Burned again!!

WOO HOOO!!! BAIT!! That would get you a cat or two. ( I know most here prefer the bass and trout )

Good times. Thanks for the report. I have never had luck fishing on a windy day. EVER. So needless to say I am jealous.

I believe you can have only 3 independent hooks, a trebble counting as 1 hook. You can run as many hook-less lures as you like.

I like the idea 'wrench', Do as alot of the nonprofits do.

Don't let the bad doings of a few ruin the good things for the many. I don't see a problem there except that it looks to me that the fillets were not used to the most of their potential. As long as it is legal, and it is being done in a legal manner, then they should not be looked down upon. I also think that the waste should have been discarded in a better fashion. I know alot of you all on here have reservations on the smallie, and I am glad that you do. We all are to use the resources given to us to the best of our capability. Now that these fish are not in the areas there is room for others to grow and take the places of the ones that were removed, the cycle will continue. The waters may be down right now, but with the way the glaciers are reported to be melting, soon, the rivers will be normal at flood stage. ;-)

Be carefull as to the open offering. Just sayin', might end up with someone like me taking you up on it. :-) Nah, Welcome.