RSBreth

Looks really good - but I like patterns that keep the hook point up like Whitlock's Near Nuff Sculpin. You'll lose less of them and spend more time fishing.

I would bet my money on pharmaceutical and chemical runoff in the watersheds. The only place I've seen a hellbender was right where all the canoes launch near Bennett spring trout park. Anecdotal evidence that canoes and canoeing aren't the main problem, sure - but it's all I've got to go on.

They redesigned the website at In-Fisherman with these blogs by some of their experts - Ned's is a good one, lots of knowledge there. I hope they keep posting information-packed articles like this one, it's like getting an issue of the magazine for free.

You can retrieve a spinnerbait faster than a Bass can swim... if you are in a boat on plane when you are casting. Seriously - you can't retrieve a spinnerbait faster than a Bass can swim, but you sure can retrieve it faster than they want to hit it - but most people fish too slow versus too fast. I like to burn it, then tone it down if that doesn't work.

Throw in a picture or three and a couple of illustrations and you are close to an In-Fisherman article. Well, maybe not - but headed in that direction. I thought it was good.

I think it's funny one of my favorite rods is what used to be the least expensive fly rod Sage had in it's line-up years ago - a 7'6" 4-weight "Discovery". And I bought it on sale at the old Backcountry when it as in the Fremont Center. I still have it as my favorite Crane Creek rod. Perfect action for what I use it for. I could have spent twice or three times as much - but I doubt if I would be any happier with it. I think in general you're dead on here - most high end gear is about product image - although there are exceptions. Most of my river gear is moderate quality - just in case I do dump it. I do have a couple of custom rods - but I didn't go crazy so none of them cost more than 200 bucks in parts.

I catch a few every year fishing for Smallmouths - and I do catch a large number of them on a Bomber 4A in bright colors. I've never caught very big ones up higher than about Hootentown - but that doesn't mean they aren't there. A report of mine from a couple of years back where I caught a little 'Eye Another Short Report

I love catching "bonus species" - it's even better if they're a big sucker like that flathead!

They may have known full well the regulations and just planned on getting in a little "trout giggin'' time. Even Larry Dablemont's latest post talks a little about people gigging game fish when they know it's wrong. http://larrydablemontoutdoors.blogspot.com/2011/09/if-i-dont-do-something-else-heres-what.html

As of March 1, 2012. http://www.news-lead...rock-snot-algae How to treat felt soles: http://mdc.mo.gov/me...lt-soled-waders

The upper access is a well known "scenic lookout" for area adolescents. Frankly - I'm amazed there are used condoms with common "16 and pregnant" population around here. I wouldn't worry too much about "advertising" that there are trout in Crane - it's been on many "100 greatest creeks" and similar lists before - the crowd comes soon after, gets a skunked-out butt spanking, and goes back to wherever they came from. Very good video, BTW. Good work.

Both are smaller than you think they are - but Crane is more worth the effort drive over and see. It's a little gem.

Probably the same guy that likes to get up on his high horse and talk about how he's strictly a "catch and release" guy, too. Clueless moron - just keep the poor thing if you're gonna do that.

If it's only you out there fishing get a decent cheap solo - either a used solo canoe or one of the Ascend fishing 'Yaks that are always outside the Bass Pro outlet store for a few hundred bucks. Get a good pfd and you're there. You might be able to find a really good use solo for 500-600 or so.

Just for fun I've tried catching gar on Clouser minnows and jerkbaits - both work. I was once towed around in my solo for about 10 minutes by a huge gar near Springfield lake on the James. He finally came off, and we were both relieved. They will chew your lure up - I don't think I'd try to catch one on a Vision 110. I'll take native gar in the over carp any day. One tip - although it isn't very scientific - I've never caught very many fish in any hole that has a lot of gar in it. I don't know if the smaller fish vacate the area or just hide - but that's been my experience.

Yeah - the lazy dog ballast is far superior to the hyper-duck-crazy dog ballast. I learned that one years ago. It does make a point, though - a little ballast can level out your canoe.

I think the Training Your Retriever is a good start- unless your dog doesn't respond to that type training. You just don't know until the dog shows it's nature - I've had a few stronger willed dogs that just did everything wrong..They all eventually wound up being great well-mannered dogs. Generally Labs are a pain in the a@% for the first year (when you are training them) and then straighten up. Kind of like teenagers. My new guy is kind of a pain - but he's seriously cute. Hard to beat a good Lab. Loyal, friendly, and just a great all-around pooch.

I begged and borrowed from others until someone gave me a beginners kit - as Dan said they will have all kinds of stuff you may never need. I'd start with Clousers.

#1 - That section of river is pretty hard hit by this time of year - everyone floats it. Historically, I've never caught big fish consistently there. #2 - I do use some scents, but it kind of depends on both the plastics and the scent you use. For jig trailers and such I just use PowerBait - already stinky enough. #3 - Good job picking up the trash - like I said, it gets hit hard from Hootentown floaters.

Glad you had a great float. I have similar problems over here on the James - just not of that scale. You can still get some fishing in during Summer but you have to go during the week, early on weekends, above the places the rental places put people in, etc. The Niangua is a long river and I know it's not a Trout area but I fish more up near Charity access during Summer - closer to home and rarely see any "floaters".

I hate to be part of a chorus but if Trout is 90% of what you do then the 8 better be a smoking deal - otherwise I'd go with a 7 like everyone else has said. Just more versatile.

Different species. Silt and mud-loving (mud-burrowing) crawfish - hence the term Cajuns like to call them - "Mudbugs."

My local river (Finley) is chock full of crayfish. I haven't seen an increase or decline in the decade and a half I've lived here.

Clouser's do really well on river Bass. I'd never be without a dozen or so in different colors and weights.

That's one way to get to fish that pond. I'd love to night fish that, but really don't want to trespass. Maybe next time you'll need some more adults to help?