carptracker

Not many can say their first Missouri river smallie was a 19er. Not really total luck, its clear you know how to fish and made a good cast. Congrats but no cure for the fever.

Seth, Congrats, very happy for you and thanks for sharing. Hope our paths cross in the near future.

npierceuark, Thanks for the shallow water tip on the night fishing. Did you see more action around midnight? Kick myself but did not fish after dark. Have my calendar marked too, hope it works out. Good luck.

Was able to get on the upper Meramec late Saturday afternoon, spent the night on a gravel bar and got off the river around 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Did not know about the super moon until seeing an article in the paper late last week. The full moon, approaching front and a steady river all made for some very good fishing. Numbers, some size and different species made for a great trip. Small jig on ultra-light, top water on bait-caster and plastic on spinner. Hit the plastics so well did not use the others that much. Looked up the solunar table this morning and sure enough the best action on Sunday was around noon. Nice when an opportunity for a getaway coincides with "super" conditions. Anyone else get on the water this weekend or use solunar tables to time their trips? Big moon was pretty on the bluffs Sat. night and had the bullfrogs and gar turned on (much noise). Nice to have the ozark streams in our back yard!

Congrats on a great catch.

405z06, you must be the guy I met late Sat. afternoon, nice talking to you. Caught a few more off that dirt bank and another nice one up stream off logs against the bank. It would have been tough to catch any if I had been float fishing that stretch. All were caught off casts on or next to the bank or structure (a foot away no bite). Sunday evening was not as good as Saturday. Rain poured Sat. evening but no rise or stain on Sunday. Must have rained just on top of us washing the roads but not helping the fishing. Good luck on your next trip.

Good group of guys with experience and respect for the possible winter encounters. Great to meet new folks with common interests and share stories. Tank of gas for round trip...$70.00 Decent suspending jerk bait...$12.75 Case of Stag,,,$14.99 Good bottle of whiskey.....$25.00?? One smashed picnic table....priceless!!!!

Have enjoyed my Jackson Big Tuna. Thought it was the best 1 man / 2 man option for fishing. Hi - lo seats, very stable & handles well with 1 or 2. Good luck with your search & purchase.

Was lucky enough to be with Greg when he landed this beauty and know exactly where he caught it. Some will be able to tell from the picture.....it was very close to the corner of the lower jaw.

Al & Mitch have enjoyed your posts and have learned much. Mitch, went through the new MSA newsletter last night, congrats on your great Oct. catch (a beautiful fish). Al, cwc texted that morning, pretty good results in some tough conditions. Hope to get in the valley next weekend. Happy New Year

Do not have a bucket list but if I was to start one the Pool would have to be at the top. Thanks to your description and art work I may be forced to start that list! Congrats on a great day of fishing. Look forward to crossing paths at MSV this winter.

Was surprised how good the fishing was on a Saturday, following a hot spell and with no recent rain (river levels have been steady). Good quantities, size and species. Soft plastics lightly weighted at the end of the holes seemed to be the trend. Fish were very delicate picking up the bait. Many times I thought I was lightly snagged. Several times did not even know a fish was on. Had a goggle eyed on and a large smallie came up from below and grabbed the tail of the goggle eyed for a few seconds. Neat to see.

The sensitivity of the rod gives the feel & minds eye view of whats down there. Would lean to put more $ in the rod. I am also a St Croix fan and they have a good selection of models at different price levels. Middle of the road maybe a good place to start and they have a reasonable upgrade program and warranty. Enjoy watching our guests and friends try out of good quality rod for the first time. Really makes fishing more enjoyable, it is "High Def" in your hands. Fins & Feathers, what type of fishing do you do that you like the 7'6" rods? River fish & have topped out at 7'.

Early morning on Mother's Day was fishing some back water with no luck on the upper Meramec. Decided to turn around and cast at the edge of the current. Was surprised to hook a nice sized trout (very silver colored compared to park trout) on a wiggle wart. Bigger surprise was the next cast into the same area produced a very nice sized smallie which inhaled the wart. Really think that silver trout's fighting action turned on the smallie to bite. Smallies seem to like to follow hooked fish. If two folks are fishing looks like it would pay to cast behind the fish that is hooked. Great Meramec memory!

Have a place on the Meramec that has a lodge (5 bedrooms & sleeps up to 16). Fish anywhere on the Upper Meramec, Huzzah or Courtois. Nice secluded spot.

Cory, Gregg (Scenic View) will be down this Friday thru Sunday (finally a nice warm up). Any suggestions up or down from our place? Thanks

Welcome just joined myself a few days ago. Originally from north St. Louis county and now have a place on the Meramec near the Huzzah & Courtois. Use a Jackson Tuna and sportsman canoe, hope to learn much about this area. If you are planning a trip in the area give us a shout.

Will be spending time on upper Meramec, Huzzah & Courtois. Looks like a lot of good information here. MSA member.