Pat Magee

That is exactly where we fished. The only problem was there were only a couple of fish relating to the wood piles and we fished them high/low/sideways six ways to Sunday when we saw them. I could tell he was defeated, everything was just about perfect for catching fish and we barely had anything to show for it. That is enough to make anyone give up on kayak fishing. I can happily report that we are already talking about some more trips so it didn't last long! The Coosa was great, I definitely enjoy the better vantage point and stability. I am slightly disappointed I haven't landed a nice fish in it yet but that will come soon, I'm sure.

A couple weeks ago MoSmallies and I waded up about .5 miles on the upper forks above Lesterville. At first glance I was wondering why we never floated the upper but after a short hike I realized that the downed trees would make it extremely difficult. There were at least two 40-60ft trees blocking the path and they were holding steady in a strong current. The trees were down in an area where there was a steep bank on one side and a steep gravel bar on the other. Portaging a kayak/canoe around that would be a real PITA. I am sure it could be done at some point in time, just not when we were there.

That has got to make you feel good! I hope you made a lifelong fisherman out of him and that he pays it forward when the time comes.

Obama? I seriously have no clue why! I even came up empty handed on Google.

Suck it Paul!

Bump Over 100 views and no biters. I guess I'm off to give my money to Alpine Shop :/

March may be a tough time to consistently catch fish but it seems like when people are catching them, they land some pretty nice sized fish. It seems like there is such a small window where fishing is successful in March. The bite seems extremely dependent on temp, clarity, level, and time of day more so then any other time of the year. I am with Ham though, I don't winter fish for bass much and I don't fish for trout during the summer very often. I usually take the month of March to organize, clean, and prepare all my gear and equipment. I also try and plan some camping trips and day trips for the end of April, early May when the weather starts to even out a little more.

I recently got a new kayak and would like to pick up a paddle that fits me a little better. If you have an extra or one lying around you don't use, send me a PM. I have cash in hand and will make a good offer on your paddle! I am looking for anything from Adventure Technologies, Werner, Bending Branches, Aqua-Bound or any other reputable brands. Thanks in advance!

Sounds great! Good luck with the rest of your lures, someone will walk away with a good deal!

I will buy all of those jigs off of you Paul.

I have a Malibu Mini-x that I might part with. It is wide and stable but not the best tracker. The best part is that it is extremely light compared to some of the other boats. PM me for some pictures if you are interested.

Scott, you still interested in clearing some space and getting rid of one of those Coosa's? I am definitely still interested!

Mitch gave me a couple at the MSA meeting last week. I realized I had left them in my coat pocket and I decided to have a little fun with some co-workers. I had two of them running out of the office in pure fear because they thought they were real! I can't wait to drop them in some water and use them to catch something other than laughs.

I am glad I got the chance to go. It was great to put some faces to names here on OAF (Al Agnew, Gavin, Seth, Scott, and Mitch) and to meet a few other guys. It also didn't hurt that there was a bar with cheap beer in the same building! For those of you who want some more information, just follow the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance on Facebook.

I picked up the G-fix to throw on my bait-caster and I am still working on getting the retrieve/depth levels down. It is definitely a lure you need a little practice with before you figure it all out or so it seems.

I couldn't have asked for a better time. I was bummed we didn't get a couple more braggers but I'm sure we will next time. Thanks for the post as well, wonderfully written!

How'd he have enough time for the shirt change if you released it so quick?!? Just messing, I have always enjoyed fishing the YUM craws for smallies. They are dirt cheap and last a hell of a lot longer then some of the other Craws I fish!

I may have been a little harsh about calling you a troll, it is just that I find some of this a little fishy (pun intended) I also don't want to ridicule a hook and line fisherman because I hear that once you strike out enough you start gigging em cause its easier. I haven't been a fisherman my whole life but I can tell you that everything I learned was because I went fishing with someone who knew what they were doing and they taught me. Every body of water needs to be fished differently and different types of fish like to see bait presented differently. I could drag a turd with a treble across some lakes and rivers and catch fish and then there were others I needed to change things up or try new patterns. You could save yourself alot of time and money by going with someone who has had success at places you like to fish. If you don't have someone in mind, find someone. It will save you from the embarrassing goose egg or at least make it less likely.

Why do I get the feeling we are being trolled? I can honestly say I have never heard someone fishing with a Rooster Tail so much! Grab some Zoom Super Flukes and a pack of 2/0 offset hooks and let it "dead drift" thru the fishy spots and you will catch some fish.

My Simms Neoprene Flats boot are great but man do I look like an @sshole in them. I wore them all day on the black river in my SOT kayak this spring and I am still trying to get rid of the tan line on my shins. It looks like I have a permanent tube sock tan . They have held up really well in every surface and give me some added security when wading some small creeks or rivers.

That yak.........3 thousand bucks. Sheesh! I do love the idea though. I have always toyed with the idea of mounting a trolling motor on mine but I could never get over the fact that it would be kind of uncomfortable to operate.

Great picture of the craw on your blog. It's amazing how colorful they are when you really get an up-close look at one. Looks like a great trip! That hatch........just amazing!

amazing pictures! forgive my ignorance if you have mentioned it somewhere else but what are capturing these on?

I will drop some off there after I leave work today.

I just got my box of stickers in the mail from Phil. I will try and swing by the fly shops this weekend and drop some off. I will also try and talk to BP, Cabela's, and Gander Mtn. about putting some out there. If anyone has some other places they would like them dropped off in the local Saint Louis area (within reason) please let me know. Hat tip to Phil for putting this all together. The stickers look great!