ollie

Wow, I don't check this thread for a day or so and all you guys don't play nice! I don't think banning gigging is the answer either and I don't think anyone here is advocating that option. Although it is banned in other states. I don't know the answer either, but I like Al's suggestion of monorting a certain stream to see if it really is a problem. I was in QC for many years and the only way to fully understand a problem is to set parameters and evaluate the true facts and go from there. Stay consistant, monitor the facts and draw a conclusion from the facts, but set fair and reasonable parameters.

See guys, now we are getting somewhere. Now we are hearing the pros and cons of river fishing. Personally, I could care less if gigging was illigal, but I know that isn't the real solution to the problem. I too think there is some bad apples mixed in the bunch that gives way to problems on our streams. Maybe we should have a statewide length limit on smallies? ( bigger than 12" ) I know several streams around here still have the 12" length and I rarely see them get any bigger than that in those streams. It is sad when you see average joes taking little fish or more fish than they should. Sometimes there are kids along that think Dad is doing ok by taking those sub-legal or over limit fish and that is when it is really a sad thing to see. They will most generally grow up thinking it is ok to do this. My Dad still keeps everything that is legal to keep and fillets them out. That was the way he was taught. I use to be that way until I realized that a trophy stringer of smallies hurt the future of the streams I fish. Times have changed since I was even a boy and at the rate our fisherys are going I sometimes wonder if my grandkids will be able to enjoy what I have. Oh yeah, this is about gigging smallies. I say protect them more like we do our trout waters.

Ouch! That was colder than the temps outside. You know you are just jealous! Was it olive or black I caught that bruiser on.............

Yeah, just think of a bugger on a jighead and you get the picture.

As far as I know it is a jig. Olive color in body and tail with hackle tied in the body. I have tied this jig for many years now and it does work.

You would be surprised at what places I know of around here, born and raised here. I also have an idea where you might be talking about. Now if you tell me your catching browns down at Big Spring Park...... then we need to have a talk! lol

MoCarp, I didn't know you work at the terminal. Daisy, Brass Eagle, or the state VA records dept.? Or is there others out there now? Oh yea, the feed mill by the tracks? Just curious, we might need to hook-up sometime!

Well Leonard, if the local enforcement can keep-up with those who are seining the creek, then we will be ok. With such low water right now Hickory is nothing more than a trickle. No where for them to hide Have you ever fished from the park down to Shoal Creek? I have and I'm still not sure you are allowed to unless you ask permission. Where Hickory creek dumps into Shoal is mainly private property. I see you pasted it from the website, but I am still not sure how acurate that is. I do know MDC doesn't own that land anywhere. It is a coop between the city of Neosho, the Federal Hatchery and MDC.

Yes, we need to make aware of the problems our native smallies face. I hope this forum is really being seen by those at MDC. I really do.

Give me a shout when you decide to make it this way and maybe I can hook-up with you.

I have to agree with SKMO on the part of us sportsman being the eyes and glad to see those guys get a ticket! See, I don't have a problem with people who gig leagally, but those who take no matter what should be condemned. I also realize that our county agents are spread thin, so what else can we do? Lets hear some more thoughts. Like Wayne said, "this is our native stream fish" and we need to protect them as best as we can.

When I was younger my Dad and Mom would take us down to Taney and we would fish all day long. We would go up to the cable if they were generating and if not we would go to the lower end. For the longest time my biggest bass came out of Taney below Rockaway too. When your 10-12 a five pounder is pretty good size!

Like most other regions I think we area waiting for some rain to bring up the water levels.

I had a Guide at one time and they are bomb-proof, but with that comes weight. Two people ok, one, no good. If your wanting something more solo go the lighter route. If you know someone will be along with you go for a longer 14' tandem. Good luck.

The water is very low right now at both places. Hickory is but a trickle and Capps is almost the same. Monett is closet to Capps and I'm not sure if they have stocked yet, as of two weeks ago they hadn't. There is a Motel 8 in Monett which is about 6 miles from Capps I think. If you stay in Neosho, it's about 15-20 miles to Capps and there is plenty of lodging here too.

I for one would like to see tougher smallie regs. Any comments?

Oh, just pick-up the spinning rod and throw some jigs, you know ya want to!

I was there yesterday and didn't have much success either. Caught a few and thought the day was going to be good. First one of the day was a FAT 14" brown. Then it was downhill from there, but I just wanted to get out. Found out I won't have a day off for two weeks.

Mo Carp, your my kinda guy. Just give generals like weather conditions, color of lure, water conditions, etc. I will NEVER give out specifics on smallie waters unless I know you or you try and pm me, harsh as that might sound. Once again I am sorry if I offend anyone, but that is my way . Phil, I don't mind the education part, it is good. I just think the smaller streams should be in a general area. Until everyone on the net is C&R I will remain silent about specifics.

No! I caught only one trout and a smallie. The wind was soooooooo bad I gave up within a couple of hours. For those who haven't been down on Capps or have forgotten, the wind is NOT your best friend there. Wind just funnels through the valley and is more intense than anywhere else I have been. It can seem like a gentle breeze at my house, but when I go there it's like a hurricane!

I think I'll hit Capps tomorrow if anyone wants to hook-up. I drive a blue s-10 extended cab and will be at either one of the parking lots by 10:00.

Hey Russ, over here in Neosho. Give us a heads up when the whites start runn'in will ya?

Stickers sound pretty cool actually. Kinda like BASS or that other organization I can't think of at the moment.

RRV, what were you driving? I was in the lot @ 8:00 and asked some other guys if they were with ozark anglers and they didn't have a clue to what I was talking about. I drive an old blue s-10 extended cab. Were you the guy with a red stocking cap on? If so I talked to you and didn't know any better. I had my best luck in the C&R zone and just below the low water bridge. The jig color was a sculpin and I was sssslllloooowwwwlllyyyy bouncing it off the bottom.

Funny about all who said they would be there and then weren't! It was awfully windy out there today. Wayne, I know you would have done better had you brought either a spinning outfit or a heavier weight flyrod. I think total all I caught was 9 or 10. Of course everyone I talked to said, "you should have been here yesterday"! Story of my life.