strangercreek

Svelte? http://www.korkers.com/soles-accessories/soles-for-fishing/svelte.html I wonder if this would throw off the whole question when a boot check situation arises on the water somewhere (I will admit I haven't read the rules specifically because that stuff bores the hell out of me).

It's been a while but I've seen this other places. It might have something to do with the Skepticon conference thing that is held in Springfield. The whole thing looks kind of stupid to me....a group not really worthy of attention. FYI, I couldn't reply to your post Justin

I had one of the fly logic premium reels. The spring would pop out when removing the spool (a mini leaf spring setup with plastic clicker). It also had a wierd off white finish that looked like the finish on an old 90s computer monitor, really rough drag, what a piece of junk. I can't remember where I bought it but I returned it. It was American made as well, but not the quality of my Lamson or Teton reels (I also have a collection of Sal Trouts, Progresses, Martin tin can reels, Meisselbachs, Ocean Cities, and other assorted US made reels that still have a useable feel to them)

I think they look pretty good and would bet they are just as good as the Sage Bass series. It looks like a good rod for knocking around on a back country wetlands and/or creek trip to me. Throw a Lamson Konic on there and you will be all set.

Here is the last message I got from their email list. I didn't realize that I haven't seen any emails since May. ----------------------------------------------------------------- As many of you know, Cozy Acres was part of the flooding in the Ozarks at the end of April. The power was immediately turned off so no one would get injured. We had hoped to have the campground ready for Memorial Weekend , however, there is still water at the end of the park. We cannot check water, electric, and sewer until the water is completely gone. The Corp of Engineers is in control of the water in our park. Until they release water at the dam in Branson, the water will remain. The park will remain closed until further notice. We are so sorry for this inconvenience, but this was a disaster that was out of our control. We will send out another email when we have more information. Many people's lives have been affected by the flooding. Keep them in your prayers. Mark and Chris Cozy Acres Family Campground "A Roaring Good Time" 417-271-4215 or toll free 866-393-4216 --------------------------------------------------------------------

I just now discovered that there was a real estate auction at Cozy Acres (Eagle Rock, mo)back in August. I assume this means it changed hands. Does anyone know if has been reopened or if the current owner (if any) will allow river access as the previous owners did? (with a camping fee of course). The domain name is expired.

I was wrong when I said the Konic is not machined. It is machined (skim cut) from a cast blank, which is pressure cast (instead of just poured/stamped), which means it has the feel and tolerances of a fully machined reel. It is always cool to see a company concentrate 100% on quality even in their least expensive products. It seems like I read that the blanks are made in Korea, while the rest of manufacturing process (including the machining) is done in the USA.

Here goes my rant....I don't see any reason to use anything OTHER than a Lamson. The Konic is awesome, although not machined, but who cares? Perfect drag system, only a few moving parts, no latch mechanism to hold the spool on, perfect in my opinion. I own a Guru and Konic. The other two reels I own are a BPS Classic (had it long before I discovered Lamson but it is smoother than a lot of higher end reels) and a Teton Tioga (before they went out of business the first time). The Teton works really well and it's American made, but the drag on the Lamsons are better (in my opinion)

Rogers is a good store. I bought my Bass Hunter 2 man boat there this last spring and got a really good deal on it. They have carried some fly stuff off and on over the years but it would be cool to see them dedicate a small corner of the shop for fly fishing. They carried a bunch of Martin stuff for a while. The new building is nice to, lots of stuff

I am sure someone will make the dreaded, worn out "more cowbell" joke, so let's just get it over with. Here you go.

Has anyone here been on the White River Trail (new hiking and biking trail)? I am coming down on business towards the end of the week and thinking of bringing my bike instead of a fly rod. It looks like one phase of the trail is built, with two more phases being completed.

If anyone has a legit organization to take this as a donation I am up for that also. I don't need a receipt or anything, just want it to go to good use.

I have a brand new cortland 8wt floating fly line if you need any fly fishing stuff. I used it a couple of times and I would be glad to let you have it. Can you tell me which organization this is etc?

I have a cortland 444 Classic Peach WF8F that I no longer have a use for. I used it a couple times chasing carp this spring. The line looks and feels brand new. It is wound back on the plastic spool and includes the cleaner/applicator that comes with the higher end cortland lines. I'd like to get $20 for it...if that doesn't work make me an offer.

Here is the list of repair shops on Simms' website (for switching to vibram). I would think they could work on boots of any brand.

People need to realize that while probably worthwhile, this will never be a 100% "be all end all" solution. If 100% of anglers wore rubber, didymo could still show up due to unknown causes, but I guess it is best to prevent the causes we know of. I will probably just get my L2s refitted with streamtred or vibram, dammed if I'm replacing them after 5-6 uses.

Simms lists some vendors on their website who will fit your boots with Streamtread or Vibram, about $75 I think

This online shop is selling the 6 piece 5 and 6 weight travel versions (the six piece versions actually come with a frikkin tube), for $105. Decent deal.... http://www.flyshopcloseouts.com/cpoint201/category.htm?categoryId=18099&catalogStyleId=528 (click on 2nd page of fly rods)

lol

Good point about educating anglers rather than portraying a free pass if you are wearing vibram (you still have to be responsible regardless). I also read that the felt sole ban in Montana fell through although I don't have good info on this. http://www.anglingtrade.com/2011/06/30/simms-plans-about-face-on-felt/

I have Lamson Konics and an original Teton Tioga (before they went out of business and re opened). I also have a White River Classic. It seems to come from the same manufacturer as a lot of korean made machined reels. The tolerances on it are perfect, it looks nice, and the drag is smooth as butter. I got mine when the price was still $100, I think they sell for $140 now.

items sold to a different party

I haven't been up there in a while but they are usually draining the wetlands this time of year, and with all the rain, the water levels are probably ideal. I would go back in the Mallard Marsh area as there is alot of access to water and decent visibility most of the time. I was up there a month or so ago and actually saw a few carp hitting the top and jumping out of the water (I haven't really witnessed this anywhere except SC several times, or maybe I just don't pay attention). Of course look for the gar (lots of shortnose) in the various pools (I mostly see them on the east side of the refuge). The water control structure (if water is running out) will have hundreds of fish stacked on top of each other, but that's no fun. I was there a year or so ago during this time as well and saw literally thousands of large crawdads below the water control structure (no exaggeration, thousands of them). There are also craploads of snakes everywhere, but I think they are just diamond back water snakes, banded water snakes etc. I've never seen a copperhead there. They also have an endangered rattlesnake (Massasauga rattler) that they chip/track on the refuge but I've never seen one (there are videos on youtube of them tracking the snakes) but they are supposedly non aggressive. You can always stop by the fishing pond they built in the front area of the refuge as well. I've seen some kids pull nice crappie, bluegill, and catfish out of there (I helped out with the last kids fishing derby there). FYI, my avatar pic is a Squaw Creek carp Here is the Massasauga video

I have reading on it and that is the same idea I get but I want to make sure. I don't really want to buy a bow as I don't think I would get much use out of it but I can get close enough to spear them for sure (floating on my basshunter in a bout 2 ft of water, sitting and waiting, they come really close). It is a shame to see so many, since they don't belong there. You can just see them swimming through the water with their mouths open "filtering". I also thought this was an interesting read: http://bayoulog.com/2011/03/10/turning-a-problem-fish-into-a-nutritious-dish-for-haitians-in-need/