JestersHK

Agree with all about going with stocking foot waders and boots. One thing I recommend is make sure you go and try them on in person if you can. I'm usually an XL guy at 6' and 220 but the Large size white river waders fit me perfectly and I was swimming in an XL. For boot size you will want to go up maybe 1 or 2 sizes depending on brand. Try the boots on with either double or triple socks or even better try them with the waders on. I've spent close to 20 hours straight in my waders/boots on a marathon day of fishing once and stayed dry and comfortable. Spending a whole day in gear that doesn't fit right or in boots that are too small is for the birds. Good Luck

The upgraded Ospreys are pretty nice. My cuz has a pair and loves them. They seem to be made better with thicker material in the knees and posterior. Thats a great buy at $90. I know SIMMS makes awesome gear and has a great warranty. I know I would end up using the warranty though... I'm all for buy once cry once, but I originally bought my white river ones with the mindset of being semi-disposable. They were $70 on sale and figure if I get 2 seasons out of them then thats awesome. If I only got 2 seasons out of my SIMMS at $400 I'd prolly cry a little. Although I guess you can just keep warrantying them. Anyone have experience with SIMMS wader warranty? Will they replace them no questions asked?

I use the Bass pro white River ones. I'm on my 4th set and I go through about a pair every year. Once I get a hole I just exchange them for new ones. I expected to pay for new ones the last 2 times since it had been over a year past the warranty. Check out lady said they go by the date they rang out my replacements I was like are you sure? And she said yep just go get a new pair... Happened twice so far, but I think they know they are cheap. You will get a hole, I promise. Until you spring a leak they are pretty comfy, and fit me like a glove. I did pick up some of the Cabela's brand wading boots this year. I highly recommend them. I wanted some BOA type boots, but got a good deal on the lace ups. They have great ankle support and great grip on the soles. I'll still likely stud mine, but they've held up great this post season for a $90 boot.

Was expecting a commercial for the pet rock Nasty invasive species...

Saw some of Duane's work last time I was down. Beautiful work, and can't wait to see some more! Jealous of the skills

Another awesome post. Happy belated bday bud.

I'd be in for some gear too.

Nice job Ham. Sounds like the bite was on up there.

Way to stick with it and congrats on your new PB!

The swim action is phenomenal. You guys have done a bang up job. Was watching these vids here at work and a coworker couldn't believe those weren't real craws. Can't wait to try some of these out.

Nice fish. It is always tough for me to throw sticks with the water off, but the ones I do get hits on are usually bruisers. Where were you guys fishing at?

Here's a fat spot caught down on Taneycomo last June. Was a chunky little guy.

I will be heading down for the opener. I also will be observing the combat fishing arena and general shenanigans that occur on opening day. Maybe fish the Niangua later, or the park if its not too crowded. Might turn it into a Taney run as well if its just too busy.

I've always liked this picture. Older crappy trail cam quality, but that deer is totally clueless to whats about to happen.

Love the markings on those little guys.

Maybe an anglers connection area on the forum? I try to post up a placeholder a few days before I head anywhere. I've seen another site that has a connection area where guys looking to partner up or fill seats in a boat can post up and get together. I've met a few guys from on here so far, and there's a bunch I'm still trying to sync up with. All great people that I've met thanks to Phil!

Spiders are our friends too wrench! They even make decent hats...

At deer camp this year the guys had a euro that they had chained up and left in the pond. Turned out really clean and the aquatic critters did a great job. I had never thought of doing it this way, but may experiment with a doe and see how it comes out.

Again thanks for all the replies. I have an angle on a 9wt setup from a buddy I'm going to check out, and I appreciate the offers. Since I have family about 45min from the river I am hoping to turn this into an annual trip Duane I may hit you up for some of that big tackle, and maybe some big rod casting lessons LOL. I'm sure I'll be down in your neck of the woods before we head north again.

They definitely have some monster fish up there. The one guide says most steel heads they catch are around 8lbs... I thought yeah right, but then saw the pics of some of the 20 pounders and was like man I'll be ruined if I got into one of those LOL

I've been lucky enough to watch them both work. I am a fast jigging kind of guy and bounce to a faster rhythm. I find I pick up more fish on the bounce this way with a soft hook up before I really set the hook on them. Still working on the line watching slow jig retrieve, and I too still miss a ton of fish...

Just got around to watching your vid today Seth... Thanks for putting that together . Got the blood pumping just watching you guys with that brown. Some nice jig action too. Always enjoy watching others methods for jigging.

Man that thing is yuge ! I will have to check those out. Seems very reasonable. I've been "shopping" today. Fishing addiction never ends LOL...

Thats a big kitty and pretty close to home. I wonder how many need to be hit by cars or captured on game cams before they say we may have a few breeding pairs here in the state?

Thanks for the replies guys. Wrench I may hit ya up on that St. Croix as I do love their rods. Good point @Gavin regarding salt water. A Bull on the fly rod is on my bucket list. 2nd part question, someone school me on reels. I've only really ever seen them as line holder fishing for trout. I know they play a bigger role for these setups. Any decent budget friendly ones out there? Thanks!