ColdWaterFshr

Good looking tie. Looks like a barbell at the bend of the hook. Doesn't that cause the fly to flip over and ride shell-back down? Thanks for posting.

The pattern . . . ve vant the pattern. Give to us, mysterious Ghost Fishar.

I'd rather fish w/ THIS Dad and his #8 Western Auto than just about anyone, except maybe my own son. Best post and pictures I have read in a long time. Badasses, seriously this brought a smile to my face.

It would be interesting to see studies on how many more fish are caught while using 6-7x than those caught on the same water using 5x or heavier (same flies, and all other things being equal). I think its an imagined advantage under most conditions. I rarely fish lighter than 5x, but then again, I don't like fishing flies smaller than 18 either. Usually 3 and 4x fluoro do just fine. Do you 6 and 7x users retie often? I imagine that after a couple of fish you would have to or that knot is going to be weakened, or some part of the tippet might be stressed and ready to give.

Current River just above Welch would be my guess. Water flow looks too small to be below it, but then again, that fog on the water might just be caused by it.

Yup. We've all had days where we wake up feeling quite feral, only to stumble into the bathroom, look in the mirror and see a pasty white stocker with nubby little arms staring back at us. Even on days when I'm sure I've gone completely native, been eating right/working out, I'll go and do something like order a xtra large pepperoni from Papa Johns, dunk the crust in that little jar of liquified margarine they send with it, and watch re-runs of Gilligans Island. If I were to be caught and filleted at some resort . . . first of all I don't think I'd fight that hard, secondly, it would be on some bait like lemon-merengue powerbait nuggets, and thirdly, ah he11, I'm way off topic.

I'm pretty sure I've been to Laubinger a few years ago and its not Wenkel. According to Chuck T its a public access, but maybe not anymore. "Laubinger Ford is an obscure little access 3.2 miles below Wenkel Ford. Take Evergreen Loop west off Highway 185 3 miles north of Spring Bluff. Laubinger Ford Road goes straight ahead where Evergreen makes a ninety-degree right. Follow Laubinger to its driveable end and walk 150 feet down the abandoned, gullied road R/O/W to the water."

My book says its 7.4 miles from Laubinger to Peters Ford. Thats pretty far for the Bourb as you mention. I'd do something shorter, like Wenkel to Laubinger -- thats only 3.2 miles, or go even further upstream around Mint.

PM me your credit card info. Or just come on up to Foxy's and pay off part of my tab that I owe to Paradise. Thanks, Paul

Disconnected. Been off the grid for a few years now, but you can reach me at either Foxy's Night Club in Springfield, if I'm not there, leave a message with Paradise, or I may be over at The Cat & Fiddle. Paul

Its true, I have nothing constructive to add. The original post in this thread, I found amusing (again), and found it hard to resist to teasing all you tough-jobber types. And so, after many years of being on professional hiatus from the guide business, I want everyone to know that I am back and open for business. I WILL MEET OR BEAT ANY GUIDES DAILY RATES (licensed or unlicensed) by 50%, and TAG boats are FREE every Wednesday from 4-7p.m. And my personal guarantee . . . if you don't bag at least 20 lbs on a trip, I will give you the sonar off my boat. Sincerely, Paul Dallas Fleet Admiral SJRAC - Strategic James River Arm Command, Nixa Region by authority of the US Coast Guard and the Dept. of Homeland Security fully licensed but woefully under-insured

Exactly!

Wouldja share with Paul Dallas and 24 gals that all answer by the name of Natalie Lyght?

Good report. Seriously. All except that part about the boys having career aspirations of tourney fisherman, and guide. Tell them to stick to their studies 1st and maybe the guide/tourney thing can be a fall-back if that don't work out!

So who are the ones registering all these complaints to the Coast Guard? The guides WITH licenses? I betcha the Coast Guard has a special Unlicensed White River Guide detachment that is putting in some serious overtime to get this "rash" under control.

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dang it, had the drag set too light

Paul Dallas is the name. Allow me to tell you a little bit about myself. Many a year I toiled in the fishing industry (BASS circuit, guide service, TV Show, etc) but this was way back when you short-shavers were probably still riding your Big Wheels and stealing sticks of Dentene out of your maws purse. In my hey-day my greatness was eclipsed by none other than my 1st cousin Jimmy Houston, who stole my fame and fortune and his evil cackle when he catches a fish is foever etched on my brain. I know what it feels like to be stold from, and the trecherous steep ravine down into a life of drugs, alcohol, and yes, even prostitutes. I can speak on these subjects, and many more, because like Bill Babbler, I have walked the walk and can talk the talk. I have had the finest decals adorn my glitter boats and trucks. And I have had the finest polyester shirts and finest sponsor patches worn proudly across my breast. Many a weigh-in have I tipped the scale with the "big one" and won the boat and the 6-figure purse. I have been in newspapers, magazines, TV round the globe, Wheaties boxes and I have kept company with Hollywood stars. And I was in the room when Nixon resigned. I have even danced real slow with Kathy Lee. Yes, I have seen it all boys. And its a rough way to make a buck. One minute, you're bending the tops of the trees, the next minute, you're waking up drooling on a pillow case in some cheap motel with a burnt out sign, smelling like garlic/anise chomper and McCormicks gin. Indeed, pros and guides, 2 things the fishing world could do without.

Well said! I've had "my fill"

Whoa, whoa, whoa. You guys are reading me all wrong. Never did I say its right for people to look over your shoulder, knowing that you are a guide, and try to steal tips and info, and locations, follow you around the lake. Never said it. And I don't believe its right. I just think it is part of the job and industry you are in, and you better develop a thicker skin for it and some ways of dealing with it, especially on a lake like TR in summertime. Just too many people about, and its only human nature that they will get curious with your methods and try to pick up a few bread crumbs for free. Heck yeah, its nervy to follow you around on a guide trip. I would never do it in a million years, but go ahead and lump me in with parasites, And for you guides, yes, I can appreciate the fact that you are out trying to make a dollar to put food on the table and feed your family -- all work is honorable -- we agree on that. But spare me the "adverse conditions" nonsense and the poor-me fluff about having to work (as in, fish) on your days off so you can help your clients catch more fish, and its the toughest profession out there. What a load of hooey. No one forced you into it, and you ain't down in some dark mine shaft chipping away at rocks breathing in dust and neither am I. But I sure don't go on an "entertainment" website like this, and #$%tch about my job, ask for comments, and not expect to get some honest feedback. "A non-paying client is asking me for tips on how to fish a tourney, I just can't believe the audacity of some people, and I've had my fill" Boo-friggin-hoo. And Yoda, hiring a guide IS a shortcut. Whats wrong with calling it what it is? Can't compare your profession to a doctors because, christ, thats your health. A much more important skill set and consequences than the success or failure of a fishing vacation trip, right? Can't compare it to a financial advisor, heck, thats your retirement. Hiring a contractor to build your house? Whatever. I'd say its closer to hiring a prostitute than any of your weak analogies, but I digress, we'll just have to agree to disagree. Probably not completely nice thing to say, but I was only going for some cheap humor points. Forgive me, this place is a bit too stuffy and serious for a fishing website. Guides b'n about pros and clients. Blech!

Say what??? I don't know what kind of other jobs you have had, but that is some funny stuff right there!

My words a few posts back were probably a bit harsh. I know a couple guides and they are decent people. The problem is not really with them, as they are just providing a service as long as there is a demand for it. My problem is their "Johns". (Let me point out that hookers refer to their "Johns" as "clients" also). Lets face it, hiring a guide is the ultimate short-cut in fishing. You are paying money so you don't have to go to the time and trouble to figure it out, or think, or to actually talk to people at bait shops and marinas and get tips or do any research. There is no homework and very little thinking. They literally put you ON TOP of fish that they are reading off a sonograph, that they knew were there anyway . . . . tell you what bait to use . . . . how to fish it . . . . and then have a dozen back-up-plans in case that hole or method doesn't produce. And thats fine, most of the "Johns" are probably on vacation far from home and cannot bear the thought of getting shut-out. Our society is one of instant gratification, and the guide business is there to supply it, for a price. Call me old fashioned, but I think something is lost in all of this. Why not just go down to the grocery and BUY the fish. Catching a fish that a guide puts you on sure feels hollow to me. And I can't feel too sorry for them when guides complain about how much work it is, the "adverse conditions" or people asking them for free advice. C'mon. It goes with the territory. I would take it as a compliment that you're even asked. Give them a couple free teaser hints, a warm smile and wish them good luck. Or if the pro's are derby fisherman are asking -- I'd work out some little quip with a thinly veiled insult and shrug it off. As for boats following your guided trip, the "bent rod pattern". In high season, on a crowded lake like TR, I suppose its going to happen. I'd do my best to ignore them or pull up and move. Sure its lazy and rude. But the more people you pack into an area, the greater the probability you are going to encounter rude folks. If you were guiding on a less popular lake, you probably wouldn't have as much business (steady supply of Johns willing to hand your their hard earned cash), so I guess its a trade-off you are going to have to live with. Pro fisherman - I don't have much to say on the subject as I'm not a fan. I did watch about 10 minutes of a Pro-Bass tournament on ESPN a couple weeks ago. Kevin Van Damm, and a bunch of other assorted jerks were fishing some reservoir out in the Carolinas. Sight fishing to fish on beds. Yanking the fish in as fast furious as they could, bouncing them all over their boat, and tossing into the livewell with the most joyless efficiency. Sure hope they win lots of money so they can fund their next trip to your favorite reservoir!

My thoughts are this: 1) Boo Hoo. 2) You take people fishing. They pay you for it, and you call it work and on this and other threads it almost sounds like you are complaining about your job. 3) Pros and Guides. 2 things the fishing world could do without.

Eliminate jetboats on any river or river section that is less than 1000 cfs on avg. annually. Can I get an amen?

Nice fish, no doubt, but I can't help but notice how the outstretched arm makes the fish appear as long as your entire torso, an optical illusion. Not to take anything away from your fine catch. A 19 1/2 inch smallie is a beast. And congrats for releasing it.