riverrat

hello dano-thanks for the information. The name on the rod is Killwell-made in New Zealand.

Okay, how do I get started? I have a fly rod that I bought from a friend about ten years ago. It's a graphite rod with 8578 stamped on it. I'm assuming the 85 is the length-what is the 78? I also need to know the best fly line to learn to cast with. I plan to use it on smallmouth in the rivers- is the rod too heavy for this purpose? I'd hate to have to buy a new rod as one of my New Years resolutions was to quit spending soooo much money on fishing. The reason I haven't used it yet is I had a run in with a flyfisherman about 10 years ago-right after I bought the rod. That's another story, I would never intentionally step on anyone's toes. Maybe we could start a discussion on fishing etiquette. If you give examples of rude behavior, also explain what that person should have done. Remember we all have to share a limited resource and it gets more crowded every day. EDUCATE ME

I have one question-can a fifty something klutz learn to use a fly rod?

Yes I use a boat to fish for smallmouth. I use a paddle jon-it goes places that jet boats can't reach if you know what I mean-plus its a more stable platform than a canoe

I have a "fishing story" to report from last fall. I was on a smallmouth float trip, enjoying the peace and calm of the river. I was concentrating on coaxing a trophy smallmouth (or a small one for that matter) out of a deep rock-filled eddy when the serentity was disturbed by the loud squawking of a blue heron. Being a focused fisherman, I tried to ignore the commotion. Finally it got so loud I had to look up. About 200 yards downstream, standing in the middle of the next shoal was the heron. He had a small fish in his beak. Dive-bombing him were two bald eagles. During a break in the action the heron tipped his beak up and swallowed the fish. He then took off with two very disappointed eagles hot on his tail. Now thats a story you wouldn't have heard 30 years ago.

I'm a longtime visitor to this site, first time writer. My passions are my god, wife, family, dogs and smallmouth fishing. I fish mostly the middle Gasconade. I also enjoy fishing the spring white bass runs on upper Bull Shoals and Lake of the Ozarks. Any questions on fishing for smallmouth on the Gasconade-I'll gladly share what little knowledge I have.