Terrierman

Yeah, that was pretty bold. Bold in this context does not carry a positive connotation either. Meet ups change the whole dynamic though eh? At least when things go right. Then it turns into an information and experience exchange. Altogether a different level of karma there.

Gadwall = grey mallard Canada = B-52 Ringneck = Ring Bill

I normally solo my Mad River legend 15. I don't think I'd want anything shorter than a 14' boat. Actually I don't want anything smaller (canoe) than the boat I have.

My policy is very simple. I never ask for information on the internet and I never give information on the internet. It's sometimes different face to face but not always. It depends on who's involved. Actually I think it's pretty bold to ask someone to tell you where and how to catch fish. The figuring it out is half or more of the fun. Although I do have to say that last year's drift boat conclave was very very helpful to me as I'd never done any fly fishing whatsoever. So I guess I'm going to qualify that bold statement to allow total rookies to ask for a little help getting started. And when we were in Wyoming the gentlemen in the fly shop was very helpful but hardly specific about where to go and what to use. So there's that stranger in a strange land exemption. But still think experienced fishermen should pretty well do it on their own.

Comments submitted.

Awesome picture. The camera on my Samsung Galaxy S 4 is surprisingly good. Phone cameras just keep getting better and better. But as said above, there's more to a photo than the camera and you just proved it.

I saw several boats on trucks in Springfield on Saturday and Sunday. Conditions are great for anyone who knows how to get around on a river in cold weather.

I fish the creeks and small rivers now. The fishermen are polite. The floaters don't bother me that much as I'm pretty good at avoiding them and when I don't I know what to expect and it's OK. So there's that solution.

It's not that bad to tie a palomar. I mean it's bad, but not that bad. Depending on how bad you consider that bad to be. If that makes any sense at all. I used to fish 2 lb maxima exclusively for trout in clear water. The p-line seems harder to see. Which might be the line, or older eyes. But I can indeed manage a palomar with it. It's definitely better than the monofilament sewing thread that one of my buddies from the olden days at Union Electric insisted on using. That was impossible for me. P.S. Check your messages.

I don't think there is a manned tower at either Branson Airport. IIRC, they are controlled from Columbia 100% by radar.

Why wouldn't you go to 2 lb P line flouro clear for the really small jigs? I've got a rig spooled with it and like it so far at least. But only fished it one time on Taneycomo. It is REALLY hard to see.

You guys just took me back to Schell-Osage in December of 1966, the old headquarters building, a huge fire going in the fireplace and a long row in the dark. It's hard to imagine how many times the other three guys in the blind who took me out for my first time had to tell me to sit still and keep my head down. Good on you for taking them out.

You guys have some nice boats. Love that stripper.

You must have been down here for the bowfishing tournament and seen/heard a few of the airboats. They put a jetboat in the shade when it comes to annoyance factor. Hovercraft could be next too. 10 HP limit like the Buffalo would solve the problem. Excellent post Tanvat

This is not going to be a popular line of thinking but the times I've gone out with a paid guide have in general been not so hot to really bad with one really noticable totally positive exception with a fellow down on the Tennessee River. I've been burned often enough that guided pay trips are pretty much off the table for this one. I think you've got every right to be as mad as you are.

I just noticed the coolers. Did you have any trouble keeping ice?

So where were you guys? Nice photos.

Take a nice trip to pulltite and get in the 4WD truck and drive home is what I dould do. No reason to dump at these river levels but still, be careful. And sleep in a good bed tonight. Which will be the cold and windy one.

That's a fine looking dog you have sir. Nice pair of mallards too.

Looks like a nice dinner to me. WTG Chief and Corn Dawg.

You know what's important LRF. Great post.

Man that was tough to swallow. 28 point lead down the tubes.

That's the way to do it.

I really respect and appreciate the big picture that you hold to. Everything in nature has its place.

Lampreys don't prey on trout. Ham, my money is on you to get your 52. Do keep us posted.