bs1827

I was just in there yesterday after work. Can't say enough good things about Jim and the rest of the gang. A good bunch of guys.

Bump?

What kind of treatment do they use for zebra mussels? Does COE use Zequanox, or is that still not allowed into open water by fed. standards??

I agree with MOsmallies. For years I've kept the Operation Game Thief phone number in my cell phone just in case I saw any kind of poaching/illegal activity. I've yet to use it, but it's nice knowing that I have it quickly accessible so some of these scumbags can be held accountable. In case you're interested in programing the number into your cellphones:1-800-392-1111

Your tying desk sure looks a lot cleaner than mine right now! Proper lighting sure helps.

I too will be sending emails very soon. Not to stray away from the topic, but I agree with rFisherk, the Conservation Federation of Missouri is an excellent organization that is well worth supporting. It is my opinion that if you are willing to give money to national organizations such as the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, TU, etc. you should most certainly support our local organizations, or at the very least subscribe to their online newsletter to stay informed. For a basic 1-year membership it's only $35, and that includes a sweet sticker to stick on your rig! Rant over.

That's awesome! I've always heard good things about Costa, but I've always been hesitant due to the price. I'm currently searching for a new pair of sunglasses and I will definitely look into Costas more after hearing your story.

Here's the article Chief is talking about. http://riverhillstraveler.com/a-different-sort-of-smallmouth-bass-p123-90.htm

Awesome trip! I think I'd probably fall out of the boat if I caught a smallie that big.

Thats great! Thanks Chief!

Digging way back, but did you ever have a chance to catch one Drew?

I'm down! I'll probably tie the belly scratcher or low fat minnow from Fly Fish Food.

I agree! I look forward to these in depth discussions on here. Thanks for all of the info Chief and Al!!!

Al, thank you for all of the info! I've always just been under the impression that I had been catching northern rock bass in the Finley and James. I didn't know about the Ozark bass. It's neat to know that they are endemic to the upper White River system. I love catching them on the fly.

I've been wanting to tie some of these up myself. May have to give it a go!

Excited to have your professional input! Welcome to the boards!

Still sounds like an enjoyable trip to me. Glad you had the opportunity to get out!

Welcome to the site!

moguy1973 I agree with everything you said! I'll be spending some time out in tahlequah, OK this summer and I'm hoping to find some time to fish Tenkiller.

Thanks for all of the responses everyone! I'm surprised by the number of people tying the dropper directly to the bend in the hook. I always thought it could potentially interfere with hookups on the topwater fly.

I still consider myself a beginner when it comes to fly fishing. I've been at it for a few years now, but I feel like I'm to the point where I'm starting to go back through and fine tune some of the basics. This year I want to focus a lot on presentation rather than putting so much emphasis on pattern, color, etc. I figured one place that I need to focus on is my knot selection. Currently, I have been using a loop to loop connection between fly line and tapered leader, surgeon's knot to attach tippet to leader, and a simple clinch knot to attach tippet/leader to the fly. My questions are as follows: Does anyone ever use the improved clinch when attaching tippet to the fly? I use this frequently when I'm fishing with heavier line on baitcasting gear, but I've been told that an improved clinch weakens your smaller diameter tippet. Is there any truth in this? What flies/situations do you prefer to use a non-slip loop knot? I realize this allows for a more free-swinging action that works well for topwater flies and big streamers. When tying up hopper droppers do you tie to the bend of the hook on your top fly or do you prefer to tie in your tippet above your hopper? I'm sorry if I'm beating a dead horse with these questions. I did search to see if I could find them in older posts. I'd love to hear any input that you guys have.

Sounds like a blast! Wish I lived closer and had good watercraft for that kind of thing.

Thanks for the pointers Jim! I've found a few local holes that usually have a handful of carp in them. Can't wait to get out after them this spring and summer.

Wow! I wish I could stack deer hair that well!

My hope is that they take a look at this stupid rule in the off season and take things back to the way it used to be. I'd rather see this rule changed then see the NFL fuss over whether or not to narrow the field goal posts.