rFisherk

"Regarding angler support, the 2011 Angler Survey showed solid support for the existing special regs areas as well as an increase in the statewide MLL and a reduction in the creel limit. Generally about 50% of respondents would support an increase in the MLL and an even greater percentage a reduction in the creel limit. In addition, there was very strong support -- over 70% -- for the establishment of catch and release regulations on certain streams/stretches in that survey." Interesting statistics, Dan. Back in the 1970s, a large portion of Courtois Creek was an experimental catch-and-release area. I fished it often and caught my first really big smallmouth there. The study included daily creel surveys conducted by MDC employees that would float the river each day and talk to all fishermen they encountered. When the experiment ended, they lifted the restrictions and never pursued the matter further. I've tried to find the results of this experiment and survey with no results. Does anyone have a copy of it, and can they share? Might make another interesting thread. And Flysmallie: Even with the Conservation Sales Tax, nearly half of the MDCs operating funds still comes from the sales of fishing and hunting licenses and matching federal funds from Pitman/Robinson, which is based upon these sales. One of the many bills attacking the MDC and conservation in general in the previous session of the General Assembly was to eliminate all the revenue from the sales of hunting and fishing licenses. Thankfully, enough people got involved to defeat this and other measures. I also understand and share your sentiments about politics in general, but we are in a political era where true conservation is under serious attack (not just here, but across the nation). Even if you don't want to get involved physically (and I suspect most don't), supporting groups like MSA and CFM with memberships would be a wise investment in the future for you and your offspring, because it supports those willing to get involved to protect your interests. Politics today is the way it is primarily because of a general apathy and ignorance among the voting populace. We all like to bitch about it and feel somewhat disenfranchised. But the reason we feel disenfranchised is because of our apathy and unwillingness to investigate the issues. At the very least, sending an email to your representatives about upcoming issues wouldn't cost anything or take more of your time than posting here.

The only way to implement the desires of the minority (smallmouth trophy anglers) over the vast majority is through politics, which is what SpoonDog is so eloquently outlining. MSA is the ideal organization for that, but their membership is very small, compared to WTF, DU and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation mentioned, their funds are miniscule and, from what I've seen, the majority of the membership treat it only as a social organization, leaving almost all the grunt work and sacrifices to Matt and Dan. From the political pressure perspective, the Conservation Federation of Missouri is by far the best vehicle for the voice of citizen conservationists, both in the legislature and with MDC. Very few people have the ear of MDC these days, but CFM, under the recent leadership of Brandon Butler, has become very influential. Our problem with CFM, however, is smallmouth anglers are a pitiful minority there as well, and the few members don't make their voices and presence heard and felt. Even CFM has to serve in a democratic fashion the majority of its members. Eco-tourism is beginning to influence the tourism, financial and political conservation scene, and all they want to do is see an eagle or wolf at a distance. It's like Disney World to them, with happy creatures running around and taking care of each other. The majority of them don't mind that we catch and kills things (some do), but they aren't about to lobby for our interests. But these eco-tourists are passionate. And vocal. And political. We are not. We are like the spoiled children of past conservation efforts, and we are about to be royally spanked. Minorities only have power through organization and effort. It is time to become politically involved through organizations like MSA and CFM. http://www.missourismallmouthalliance.org/ http://confedmo.org/

I have seen just one fish hog ruin a good section of a creek in a single season and strongly suspect just two or three of them could do the same on one of the bigger rivers. I've also wondered if this forum doesn't inadvertently inform them of new prospects to exploit. The vast majority simply read and never contribute, and I suspect there could be some meat hunters, even poachers, among them.

The notice I saw was announcing public meetings to gather public opinion about the proposed regulations. This notice didn't include much specific information. I suppose more details will be released soon. I realize all these proposed changes are based upon the recent and extensive study, or in other words, based upon sound science, but I also realize that the MDC's impression of public sentiment influences these proposed changes as well. Posting here, I believe, does little to influence the final decisions, but voices at the upcoming meetings will not only be heard, but recorded, so I think it is important for as many forum members as possible to attend these public hearings. I would suggest SBA promote car pool caravans to these meetings with as much gusto as they do their annual outings.

As Jerry said, none in Arcadia Valley. I haven't seen them anywhere around here, which is fine with me. I did, however, take a macro shot of one along the Eleven Point River that some might like to see.

My old hunting buddy, Mike Pearce, writes the outdoor column for Wichita, and he is reporting good early numbers of quail and pheasants. I'm planning to join Mike in December.

Even more troubling are the number of drugs of all kinds that get flushed down the toilet, especially antibiotics.

I live in a small Ozark town, and I hardly know anyone who isn't on some kind of mood-altering drug, dispensed to them by the legalized drug dealers with a Dr. in front of their names. A large portion of these people abuse them, doctor shop, etc. All of these drugs, especially those given to kids that talk out of turn in school, are much more dangerous than grass. While fighting a hypocritical "war on drugs," the pharmaceutical companies, with doctors as their pushers, have created a massive legal drug culture. And when they can't get it up because of the drugs they are taking, they just add Viagra to the pile. Win-win for the drug companies.

I've seen CA areas that were loaded with rabbits and quail during the summer, but by the time the season opened, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, hawks and other predators have cleaned them up. Habitat isn't everything, and many places with excellent habitat are only smorgasbords for predators. But the general public seems to be in love with predators and protects them at the expense of upland (and other) wildlife.

I have devoted my life to, and derived my livelihood from, the outdoors. The more I have learned about the flora and fauna the more I respect it. The more I have participated in the traditional endeavors of hunting and fishing the more I appreciate the natural world as the purest example of life and death on an honest plane, with no ulterior motives. The more I have escaped and fled the hypocrisies, the ignominies and the noise of "civilization" the more I have developed a reverence for the natural world. The longer I have sat quietly alone along an Ozark stream the closer I have felt to the ultimate force of the universe. Certain spots have become more hallowed than the grandest cathedral. Yet the outdoors is becoming increasingly crowded with people who see it mostly, or only, as a place where they can party harder and totally disrespect their fellow men without the interference of law enforcement. That's why I posted this press release. That's why I applaud and encourage further efforts. I no longer venture upon Ozark streams on weekends, especially the popular float streams, because the behavior I too often encounter saddens me in many ways. I realize I am a relic of the past--a dwindling minority. I realize the vast majority are so far removed from the natural world that they can't begin to fathom the reverence I feel for it. And I realize I can't claim sole ownership to public lands. But I do believe that at the very least, the same laws and societal norms enforced in the cities should be enforced on our sacred streams.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. Missouri Conservation agents made several arrests over the July 4 holiday weekend for illegal drug use at Amidon Memorial Conservation Area (CA). According to Conservation Agent Grant Gelly, there were nine citations issued by the agents for illegal drug use on the area and three for littering. We work hard to ensure citizens have clean, safe conservation areas to use, Gelly said. Individuals who think these areas are there to use for illegal activities are mistaken and well be sure to be out there waiting for them. Gelly said several warnings were also issued for possession of glass containers and possession of fireworks on the area. Possession of glass on the area is prohibited for safety reasons and signs are posted throughout the area. There have been a lot of issues with litter lately in the parking lots and shut-in areas, Gelly said. Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River in Bollinger and Madison counties. This area is popular for its shut-ins and is a very beautiful area, Gelly said. Its important to us, its important to the people who use it and we hope to keep it in pristine condition. Gelly said suspicious activity on Amidon or other conservation areas can be reported to local law enforcement or by calling the Operation Game Thief toll free number, 1-800-392-1111. The OGT line is manned 24-hours a day; callers may remain anonymous, and may ask to be considered for a reward, ranging from $50 to $1000 depending on a case by case basis. More information about OGT can be found at mdc.mo.gov. amidon Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River in Bollinger and Madison counties, popular for its shut-in areas. )

Nature is exploding.

Last fall float camped the Jack's Fork and Current for four days with my good friend, Bill Cooper, and saw three people in four days. Heard one jet boat, but didn't see any.

Brian definitely is your guy. Float camping is my favorite thing to do. The 11 Point has considerably less traffic than the Current, but still considerable traffic during weekends on summer months. Once school starts, traffic on both rivers drops to very little, and the later you go the less people you will see. October is my favorite. You won't find nearly as many gravel bars on which to camp, but there are a few. The literature leads one to believe the only places to camp are designated campgrounds, but that's not true, and you should be able to catch plenty of trout for supper. Try digging the bottom in the deeper pools with a Wiggle Wart.

I didn't guide on Dale Hollow. I guided on KY Lake, but I fished Dale two or three times a year. Fished with Billy once just before he died and with Fred McLintock a bunch of times, plus some of the other guides there. I don't think the smallmouth are any smaller than years ago. My biggest smallmouth ever was 7-14 from Dale, but I caught one 6-12 from KY lake. Biggest from a river was 6-3 from the Current River. Had one on a couple of years ago that was bigger, but lost it under a big bolder. This, I believe, is the biggest I've caught during the past couple of years. Had my son hold it for a picture.

Here are pictures of a red wolf and a coyote for comparison. The coyote is the one with its nose to the ground.

The Missouri Department of Conservation manages about 1 M acres of conservation areas. They already have started to manage a few areas intensively for quail, but they are currently gathering public opinion about all their areas, one at a time. You know the saying: squeaky wheel gets the oil. Here's a link where you can ask for a little oil on the quail wheel: http://mdc.mo.gov/about-u....comment

I've caught a lot of smallmouths over 20 inches and a lot of largemouth over 8 pounds, including quite a few on a fly rod. Really big largemouth have one strong, but short, run in them, then it is mostly dead weight. Most of them are also very hard to revive, even after a short fight. But big smallmouth have amazing endurance and many tricks. I don't think I've ever caught a big smallmouth that didn't seem healthy enough to live long after capture and release. It is true that big smallmouth don't jump much, but I think that is because they are mostly denizens of the deep and seek the sanctity of familiar water. It is hard to get them up near the surface until they are winded, whereas you can force a 16 incher to the surface pretty quickly. Then, just when you think you have a big smallmouth beat, they see the boat or something and pull again as strongly as when first caught. That's the trick that has lost me more big smallmouth than any other. I've also noticed over the decades that all fish hooked on the surface tend to jump a lot more than those hooked on the bottom, as if they were trying to rid themselves of the thing were they captured it.

I once float camped from Owl's Bend to Van Buren. I found the final stretch, from about 10 miles above Van Buren to be the least productive: so much so, I vowed to avoid that section of the river. Could have been me. River is very different down there, with long stretches of dead water, interspaced by very deep pools. I found it relatively uninteresting, compared to further upstream, so didn't fish very diligently. But now I'm wondering if the proliferation of tournaments had something to do with it?

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2015/06/26/vandal--fined-graffiti-jacks-fork-cliff/29350567/

Here's advice from the expert: Real Magic applied to the outside of a reel protects the finish and lubricates the small moving parts like bail hinges and such. However; Real Magic has no business INSIDE of a reel. It will lift grease off of heavy moving parts like the gears. While we are discussing the inside of a reel, petroleum jelly and lithium grease should never be used inside a reel too. I repaired reels in the largest tackle shop in Central Florida for 17-years. I have watched petroleum jelly literally run out of reels thanks to heat. Heat also hardens lithium grease into a concrete type substance. There are some advanced lubricants available at Reel Schematic.com that are really something. Remember; oil is for baitcast bearings and worm drives, grease is for gears. Real Magic is perfect for all lines and light moving parts on the outside of the reels.

Not sure, but it cleans it and seems to lubricate everything lightly. I'll try to find out the specifics for you.

I spray the whole reel. If I happen to have a paper towel handy, I soak the reel well and then wipe it off.

Nice. I especially like the second shot.

A good portion of that float goes through, or at least along side, the Devil's Backbone Wilderness, which is where you probably saw the most wildlife. That is where I used to camp when floating back when I lived there. There's actually three tracts of Wilderness, amounting to 18,000 acres, where not even the government can drive in. Floating, hiking or horseback is the only way to access it. I saw a mountain lion in there back in the 1980s, but when I reported it, they treated me like an idiot.