Wayne SW/MO

The MDC is in the process of planning closures for all roads that do not carry a name. This will mean that all the dirt 2-tracks around the Bull Shoals Flood pool will be closed to vehicle traffic. The end result is to deny access to all but the fittest hikers of vast areas now open to fishermen and hunters of all ages and physical handicaps. The biggest fallacy is that these areas that they believe need more attention to natural preservation and wildlife development, are in a flood plain that is probably utilized more often then any in the Midwest to store water. Any wildlife in this area cannot depend on the area for permanent residence, and in my opinion any attempts to obtain optimum density could be disastrous when water covers the area forcing the wildlife in to other areas already populated to near maximum capacity. With that in mind, I'm not sure that it could be considered a reason for closure. Any off road antics, while not acceptable, don't cause any long term damage do to the floods in most Spring seasons, and should be dealt with in a way that punishes the violators, not the general public. Here is a site that has more information. Ozark Explorer There is also a meeting with the MDC at the following location for all that want attend: Forsyth HS Cafeteria on April 20, (Thurs) at 7:00PM

The Coleman's are Polyethylene and the best bet for a permanent fix is to find a plastic welder.

Take some to time to determine if the 120 will suit you better than the 100. If I weren't going to do any overnights I would probably save the $$'s and weight by going with the 100.

Will do. My son had similar problems and he's now 38, tell them to keep the faith.

Snow Fly there are a lot of good sit in kayaks available, just stay with the recreational models. I use a Pamlico 100, by Wilderness systems. There are fewer Sit on tops available for our streams, and in fact I think there is only one model, the Tarpons. The reason is that the scupper holes have some protection in the Tarpons, but others don't including the prowlers at BPS. Some kayaks are better suited than others for certain uses, so you should give a lot of thought on where and what kind of water you plan on fishing out of it. I have a Tarpon 120 also

Your 20 mile limit kind of hurts. There's a lot of water out 50 miles.

I heard that Landau folded, but I can't confirm that. Tracker, G-3 and Lowe are also made at Lebanon. Ranger makes an aluminum boat also. The only point is that within these you won't pay much in shipping.

Steve, I've used it on at least one rod since it came out, and that was a problem for some years. The problem supposedly doesn't exist to any extent now and that would be my limited experience. i suppose its not unexpected that it would benefit by modern methods and materials like other lines. Ever see anything roll cast any better?

Were you in Beaver Creek, or did you put in at Beaver Creek?

What are the Buzz something? Are those the pieces that support the rods?

The perceived problem isn't that a released Bass won't go back, but that the perch and other creatures will attack the fry. If the fry are newly hatched they won't have much of a defense. This is the reason I see the Pro's as hypocritical, because they take their fish away from the area and its doubtfully any return. They didn't start C & R until there was an outcry about the damage to lakes by the huge strings of Bass removed in tournaments.

I had a good visit with Jim yesterday and he filled me in on all his secret baits, methods, equipment and all your "secret" spots. He had a different setup then this for his rods, so I'm wondering what this one is, by definition.

Its the male that guards the nest, and when you pull it off predators attack the fry. The fact that he guards it is reason enough not to target them. I don't believe anyone needs to stop fishing at this time, but just not target them. If you fish normally during this time you won't pull that many off because they won't chase a bait until they are ready to leave and the chances of you putting the bait in the nest is remote. If you follow the lead of the pro's and target them on the beds, thats a different story and one that certainly doesn't promote any skill on their part. Anyone can shoot fish in a barrel and you don't need a $40,000 dollar bass boat or any particular plastic to do it, so I don't know what their point is?

Well you guys obviously haven't listened close to the song Oklahoma. In the years I lived there, my ongoing complaint was the wind, but I know y'all know that.

While there will be times you might wish you had thrown him back, thats well into the future and it passes and you'll be be glad you kept the big fella.

The female's visit to the bed is brief.

Thats not a problem I've had, so I would have to say you might be wrapping to hard, but could it be a weakness in the lot you have?

I guess after spending some years floating western rivers, I'm surprised they don't make each party carry their own system.

Couple of points: Any rumor that the MDC turned out big cats for Deer control just doesn't fit the test of reality. Historically Coyotes have been the biggest deer predator. They start at fawning and take more than their share. They're also efficient at bringing down weather battered animals and yearling's all year. It would take an awful lot of cats to effect a herd the size of Missouri's. That may be a sensitive subject. Hounds are the only really effective method of hunting and controlling the big cats by hunting. The problem is that there is an organization that not only opposes the use of hounds, is willing to use questionable methods concerning education of the public, and is quick to use petitions for constitutional bans. This is what has happened in many western states. So maybe they feel they shouldn't push the subject if there is no immediate threat.

The tailwaters of Table Rock are not in Arkansas. Parts of table Rock, Bull Shoals and Norfolk are in Arkansas, and if you want cross the imaginary line, you need either a license from that state or the Border Permit. I haven't ventured across all the lines, but I assume they are all marked. Taneycomo is solely in Missouri.

That may be the Meanmouths. Not to confuse the issue CL, but there are also some crosses in the lake. Kentuckies and Smallmouths cross, although I'm not sure why this has seemingly started. I only say this because there don't seem to be many and they seem to be a recent phenomenon, in spite of the fact the fish have been together for decades in the watershed. the ones I have caught show a little coloration of both parents.

I lived in "cat" country for 13 years and have heard about many encounters, I would say you are absolutely correct that if the animal appears to stand its ground its either very young or very old, but defiantly desperate and dangerous. I don't however believe sighting one is cause for alarm. It could be moving to find a territory, or just been surprised.

In that case I may wait until later, then you can educate me on the Arkansas, OK?

Which color Chartreuse do you use Tim, Flem?

If you don't mind MoCarp, I would like to see your methods also when you visit the "Spot".