Bob A

New in box, Simms Freestone Waders, Men's medium, never worn. Sell for $170.00 Call Bob at 417-881-4642

Idylwidle, quite welcome for the flies. Glad I could help in some small way. If any way possible, will try and make it down for a day. Bob A

In my initial post, I mentioned a percieved opinion of a decline in the quaility of fishing at Bennett, when actually, percieved is far too mild a term. There is no doubt the quality of fishing has taken a real nose dive since about 2004-2005, when some new managment took over. To me, anyone who has fished Bennett prior to this change in managemt must certainly also have noticed this. When I first started fly fishing at Bennett, I hardly had an idea of what I was doing and still managed to catch a good number of fish. As things stand today, I feel lucky to land 3 or 4 in a 3 hour period. I feel the real problems at Bennett are not to be resolved anytime in the near future, and my net impression is that this is simply a management problem that has been there for at least the last since the change over, It if hasn't been addressed yet, it is not likely to be. Like all government run functions, things simply aren't going to change until some sort of crisis brings it to a head....and this, also is not likely to happen in my lifetime. In brief, we can complain all we want but if there is no one to listen, we may as well be blowing in the wind. Ideally, I'd like to see some outside talent brought in to take a close look at the operation of the fishery..By that, I mean REAL talent, some some political appointee already beholden to the status quo. I've fished from New England to the Rockies and I know the talent is out there. The experiences speak for themselves. Bennett Spring still has all the potential to again be the jewell in the crown of the park system but it won't happen all by itself. Things just don't happen that way.

In my initial post, I mentioned a percieved opinion of a decline in the quaility of fishing at Bennett, when actually, percieved is far too mild a term. There is no doubt the quality of fishing has taken a real nose dive since about 2004-2005, when some new managment took over. To me, anyone who has fished Bennett prior to this change in managemt must certainly also have noticed this. When I first started fly fishing at Bennett, I hardly had an idea of what I was doing and still managed to catch a good number of fish. As things stand today, I feel lucky to land 3 or 4 in a 3 hour period. I feel the real problems at Bennett are not to be resolved anytime in the near future, and my net impression is that this is simply a management problem that has been there for at least the last since the change over, It if hasn't been addressed yet, it is not likely to be. Like all government run functions, things simply aren't going to change until some sort of crisis brings it to a head....and this, also is not likely to happen in my lifetime. In brief, we can complain all we want but if there is no one to listen, we may as well be blowing in the wind. Ideally, I'd like to see some outside talent brought in to take a close look at the operation of the fishery..By that, I mean REAL talent, some some political appointee already beholden to the status quo. I've fished from New England to the Rockies and I know the talent is out there. The experiences speak for themselves. Bennett Spring still has all the potential to again be the jewell in the crown of the park system but it won't happen all by itself. Things just don't happen that way.

Just seems to me like there hasn't been much activity at all in the B ennett posts, especially when compared to a couple of years ago. Maybe many of the old posters have simply hung up their rods, found alternative fishing locations or simply gave up on Bennett, for lots of reasons....one of which is a percieved decline in fishing quality over the past few years (not saying there is or isn;t". I have seen lots of changes over the years also yet everything changes in some way or the other over time..just the way it is. My wife and I still fish Bennett a lot and especially so when we can't fish Taneycomo. So, it is a good alternative to Taney. And at the same time, I can assure you there are many who travel long distances to fish Bennett and would give anything to have it in their own back yard. I still fish to catch fish! At the same time, I've caught plenty in my life time so if I don't break any records at Bennett, I can still enjoy sitting back, watching the water flow by and simply admiring a great caster and ocassionally cooking up a cup of brew. Bob A Springfield

Quite and interesting and amusing topic. What comes to mind if a flyfisher I used to fish with at Taney and Bennett who swore that never once in his life did he get "skunked." And oddly enough, when the day was done, if I got skunked, he caught 8. If I caught 6 he caught 22. And heaven forbid, if I caught 22, he caught 36...and so it goes on and on. The amazing part is, I never SAW him catch many more than I did. Eventually, it got to be a sort of game with me, and I did get some real chuckles. Oh well....so much for th enumbers game. Bob A

Just like to thank all who replied re: Sand Spring....Always good to have input from those with first hand knowledge. Again, thanks to all. Bob A

Folks, been fishing Bennett and Taney for many years, but always drove back n' forth from Springfield. Thinking of spending a few days at Bennett and like the location of Sand Springs Resort. Just looking for any feedback that mightbe helpful, as the prices seem okay. Overall cleanliness, room quality, etc. Not expecting a Hilton, just somewhere clean and comfortable. Or, any other suggestions? Thanks for any input. Bob A, Springfield

Hi Gwh....Must agree, there seem to be a lot of fish in there now,although I only fish Zone 1...Sometimes, I get the distinct feeling that all the fish are gone but then, I'll watch an angler up or down stream knocking them dead with fish after fish. My conclusion: He knows what he's doing.....and I don't! Amd to clarify, these guys are legal.......no stinky stuff, no live bait... Bob A, Springfield

As far as stripping, wife and I both on ocassion will strip a crackleback OR a griffith's gnat on either a sink tip or full sinking line. 9 times out of 10, this has been very productive. Worth a try...works for us. We always fish Zone 1. Bob A

Nice day at Bennett, cloudy, warm, some late afternoon light sprinkles of rain. Water high, running fast snd muddy. Gonna be awhile before this clears up to any real degree. Surprised at the number of visitors, not crowded however, far more than one might expect. Fished zone 1 for about an hour, just for the *(&*% of it and only one dink. Saw very few fish caught, maybe 3 or 4 in that hour time, all dinks! But nice to be out anyhow...be patient folks, this water is gonna' be messed up for at least another couple of weeks. Bob A Springfield

Hi Danioark, Thanks for the post. Mrs and I both fished Rocking Chair, and I think you were right across and down stream from us. For the most part, it was very slow for most of us with many catching very few. For me, nothing but a bunch of dinks on partridge & red soft hackles. For some reason, dinks is about all the majority were catching today. Anyhow, couldnt help but notice who I suspect was you, upstream from the MDC ramp, north bank, catching the )*&%$@$ out of them, casting upstream, striping downstream and hooking up with some nice bowa. Will add that you were the only one I observed all afternoon doing so. Was a pleasure watchng you.(I think this was you) You give lessons? Bob A, Springfield

Good topic for lots of laughs! Personally, I hate a bobber. Maybe because when I first started fly fishing, I was frustrated by that thing swinging around on my line. Another reason, I catch plenty of fish without it. As an aside, I've seen many flyfishers who would be lost without their bobber to tell them when they had a "take". Take away their bobber and may as wel take away their rod and reel. Bob A

Been trying for several days to get the real time generation recording. Is the 417-336-5083 number not functioning anymore or has it been changed. Thanks Bob A

Snagged, wife and I have both used Simms Freestones for a number of years and for the money, a great buy. Not only have then held up well (we do a lot of fishing), but should they spring a leak, you can count on their lifttime warranty. We have returned a few pair and have always received a new pair back in less than a 7 day turnaround. Great customer service that can't be beat. Bob A, Springfield