Chase Replogle

Wayne, I think you're right. The phrase isn't precise enough. I like your term, "boulder strewn." Thanks again for the input. I really appreciate it. Chase

jgentile, Thank you so much for your input. I really appreciate it. I think the corrections you made are big improvements. Thanks again for your help. Chase

Thanks, jdmidwest. Great photo. Definitely hard to miss the similarities.

How do you strip a crackleback? Cast it out and strip it underwater like a bugger? I have drifted and swung them but never stripped one like a streamer. Chase

I have been working on writing some basic introduction for common flies. I'd love to get some feedback. Was it helpful? Was it accurate? Is there something more I should include? Thanks for your help. Chase ____________ The Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph The gold ribbed hare’s ear and pheasant tail are consistently America’s most purchased nymphs. It’s likely that more trout have been caught on these two flies then on the next 10 combined. Any angler worth the weight of his fly line should know them, carry them, and fish them well. Many flies are tied to precisely imitate a specific aquatic insect, the hare’s ear nymph is not one of them. We don’t know exactly what trout see or love about it, but we know it works. Most likely, it imitates a large range of under water bugs. Beneath the surface, the bristly fur fibers may imitate the small legs and gills of a may fly nymph or the shedding case of a caddis. Tied in a darker shade and larger size it may even pass as a stone fly nymph. Looking at the fly only confirm’s its “buggy” reputation. There seems to be a bit of magic in the unkept fibers that form its shape and give it life. Drifting beneath the surface, these fibers look as natural and alive as any insect a trout would expect to encounter. The gold wire twisted around its body is meant to imitate the segmentation of an insect’s thorax. Often a gold bead is added to the head of the fly to help it sink more rapidly. I have included the more traditional thread version. The hare’s ear is most often fished in sizes 14 to 18. It can be fished in larger sizes, when a more robust nymph, such as the stone fly, is called for. Part of the fly’s success is due to its flexibility in both where and how it can be fished. From bolder formed rapids to wiry spring fed creeks, the hare’s ear catches trout just about everywhere. The most common presentation is the traditional dead-drift. Cast up and across, the hare’s ear should tumble along or near the bottom, most likely fished beneath an indicator. When the fly reaches the end of its drift, allow it to swing to the surface as the line pulls taught. The fly will slowly rise from the stream bed, imitating a tiny insect rising to hatch. If fishing deep water, sink-putty can be added, about a foot above the fly. In still water, such as lakes and ponds, the hare’s ear can be slowly stripped in toward the bank. It has been known to even attract the attention of predators, such as the bass. When considering the hare’s ear, look for insects in the water, usually beneath rocks or logs. Look for wide leggy insects and try to match the size and color of your fly with what you observe. Hare’s ears seem to be most effective in rocky streams, allowing insects to more easily cling to the bottom. If there are no indications of what the trout are eating, the hare’s ear is a great nymph for prospecting. Wherever and however you choose to fish it, the gold ribbed hare’s ear nymph is a trusted companion you should never step into the water without.

It seems like people break down into a couple of camps. 1. Meticulous Notes: Spreadsheet full of temperatures, conditions, weather, etc. 2. Photos and Memories: Just trying to capture and remember all of the good times. My biggest concern is just keeping track of all the great stories and experience I've had hunting and fishing.

A whole lot of fishermen, including myself, grew up fishing ponds. In fact, its still one of my favorite places to fish. Ponds are a great place to work on casting and you can catch a lot of fish. Do you have any family with a pond or friends? If not, Springfield Lake, as already mentioned, might be a good place to start. Stop by Bass Pro and pick up a couple of chartreuse rooster tails. They'll catch a whole range of fish. Throw it out and reel it in steady. Also, don't be afraid to watch other fisherman and ask questions. I have found most everyone you see on the water to be friendly. So, welcome to the Ozarks.

TrophyFishR, Thanks for the recommendation. Ill definitely look into the logbook by Hannon. Chase

I have read a lot about the benefits of keeping a fishing (and hunting) journal. Like many, i'm sure, I always seem to have good intentions but haven't seemed to be consistent. I had a couple questions. 1. Do you keep a journal? How has it been beneficial for you? 2. I work as a web design and have toyed around with building an online journal application for keeping notes on fishing and hunting trips. Is this something you think you would use? What features would you like to see included? Any suggests would be great. Thanks, Chase

I often fish with an indicator. I like the simple yarn indicators with a loop on the end. They are easy to add, easy to move, and can be clipped smaller if the water is smoother. If your just getting started nymphing, there is nothing wrong with using an indicator. In fact it will probably help you learn it alot faster. Its all relative. Do what works best for you and what you enjoy.

Do you guys have a website up yet for the product? Would love to take a look. Always enjoy when I can buy local. Chase

Have to say I have never caught a frog on the fly rod. This made me laugh. Great pictures. Some times nothing is more fun than fishing ponds with family. I have great memories doing the same with my dad.

Ness, My Brittany is coming out of a litter from my dad's dog and a hunting friend of his in Jefferson City.

Stoneroller, You better be careful with talk of shooting humans. Some of those guys in Lebanon might take you up on it. No, I think your advice is exactly right. Most of his success in bring the quail back is in restoring his land. Farmers, farm every inch of land they can... which I understand, and with better equipment means more effective methods. My uncle has been working to leave a lot of cover, just like you said, around the transitions form woods to field. This maybe a fly fishing forum, and it maybe just spring, but this has me looking forward to fall bird hunting. Chase

I turkey hunted around Lebanon, MO this spring and actually kicked up two different covey's on my uncles land. He is right on the Osage river. I know he has been working hard to keep cover for them... and shooting a lot of coyotes. Good luck with the new pointer Quillback. I have a new Brittney coming this summer. Maybe by the time she's ready we'll have some quail to chase. We can only hope.