RSBreth

Try Cluoser Minnows stripped fast in bright colors to drifted with the current in more natural colors. Experiment with everything in between until it clicks. Add poppers and sliders near obvious ambush spots, and that's about it. Just remember that an "active" Smallie is more hyped up than most Rainbows would be if they were on meth - nothings too fast or erratic or loud for them - most people poke around and fish too slow for Smallmouths. That includes the tube slinging spinning guys.

Shelvin to Hootentown if you don't go slow.

As far as launching at the Southwoods access goes, you're at the Lake in the eyes of CU: http://extra.mdc.mo.gov/documents/area_brochures/9410map.pdf The 40 is a no-go.

"Lake Springfield is a shallow lake, and boats are limited to 6 HP motors or less." http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Applications/MOATLAS/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=9410

Pretty much still locked down. I go elsewhere.

I think any of the problems were simply due to the local outfitters and Drew not being familiar with every waterway. It's funny - I know where you're talking about, and I thought that's where I'd go to - if I fished it and it wasn't out of bounds. Since I wouldn't be able too, I didn't pursue the matter of it being out of bounds. I'm glad Drew's trying to make it right with you - he really is trying to get this thing off the ground but obviously there's going to be bumps along the way.

That's awesome - I love the Gar/Carp/Catfish/Etc. surprise when fishing for something else. I once caught a really great Channel Cat when fishing Cowley County State fishing lake (Kansas) when using a Clouser Minnow on my 7-weight. The Cat went about 12-pounds (on the little "De-Liar" scale). I've been towed around by Gar hooked while fishing for Bass here in the Ozarks - but never landed one that way. Cool story.

I'd go longer if I were you - especially for an "all around" rod - but hey - you can get more specialty setups after getting the casting groove down. A 6' medium power rod with a good reel is a good river spinnerbait setup. Reels - a lot of people love Shimano and with good reason - but I've had two Curado's blow up on me - I'm hard on stuff. I've had cheap reels last and expensive ones break teeth on their gears. So I'm not really brand loyal as some others. Whatever you get realize it's just a mechanical object - it may break. Replacements aren't too expensive. Like others have stated - ebay is a good place to browse, as is craigslist.

Park over on the West side by the old Mill and launch from under the bridge if the park ramp is blocked. It's what I do. Back to the question at hand - I was fishing about halfway down from Ozark near Nixa last week - good fishing. Water's up, but fish are hitting - well, everything.

I only have two questions: 5'6" - why so short? Most folks consider 6'6" about the "standard". I like 7' for a lot of stuff, and would consider either "all around". The second - What are you going to do with this setup? "Everything?" Just spinnerbaits? Jigs? Your answers would have an impact on my opinion.

Since you like the Bomber's you have to try the 4A - it's just murder on Smallmouth - there's even a great promo at Lurenet for three of them for 10 bucks - pretty cheap if you stock up. http://www.lurenet.com/productdetail.aspx?id=PK3BOMB1 I've been testing the new "realistic" 4A's - the "Real Craw" version. I don't know if the fish care if it's "realistic" like the Koppers or not, but they do like the Sunrise craw version. http://www.lurenet.com/productdetail.aspx?id=b04acfcc O.K. - I'll stop now before I sound like a commercial!

Not much attention is given to upper North Fork as far Smallies go - I'm glad to see ANY attention payed to it by the MDC.

Did you lose the Koppers? That would hurt.

I was really looking forward to this, but I just can't swing it this time. Bummer.

Oh - the park, right? It gets hit pretty hard this time of year - I'm not surprised someone could get skunked there. I was downstream near Nixa. I guess this thread isn't about the James anymore, is it?

A semi-custom compact spinnerbait (firetiger) - One nice Smallmouth, a couple of smaller guys. Rapala DT4 in Hot Mustard - One nice Largemouth - couple of Smallmouths and half a dozen Rock Bass. My 3/16 finesse jig in PB&J - one nice 3 lbs. Smallmouth. Wacky rigged 5" Wave Worm Tiki Stick in Bruised Orange - Two more Largemouths. Nothing big. I think - this was early yesterday and I slept, worked in the garden, and drank adult beverages in the time between then and now. That's the best I remember. I'm surprised the spinners didn't produce - where were you throwing them?

What were you using?

Yeah - if you look at the water level gauge you could tell it's pretty high. http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=393 The Finley is only about a foot or so up on the upper part (from Linden to the park in Ozark) - in other words, perfect for fishing. That's where I went today. The James will need a day or five to come down.

Add this one - I was going to write that it was a "good link" but it's not - you know what I mean. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/05/25/us/joplin-aerial.html

O.K. - got you now. Cartopping is such a pain in the a@# - I'm lucky my compact pickup is still (mostly) running good - just throw the solo in the back and strap it down - 30-seconds max. As for the "youngling" - there's some better walk and wade spots than those on the James you mentioned. Check your P.M.'s.

Some of the ones listed I've already done, but I have my own list now, all have me taking my son along - more to watch him catch his "fish of lifetime" than anything I feel I need to do.

Lose the 'Yak already? I wouldn't be stuck bank fishing or wading those parts of the James if I had a decent solo or yak. Matter of fact - if it doesn't rain again I'll hit the James tomorrow - paddling up and floating back from ... somewhere.

Paddling up from Hootentown to where the Finley dumps in is an easy trip if you are good paddler - I do it in the solo with a single bladed paddle all the time - with a double blade it shouldn't be too hard. I'll echo what was said before - it's much easier to paddle up and float back than paddling up after fishing downstream.

I don't like to be cynical, but I'd always tell my competition I'm doing great, and always tell my customers this may be the last ones... You could always make you own, matter of fact they look like they are built on the Lurepartsonline double armed buzzbait frame - http://lurepartsonline.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=2000&sort=&asc=&page=&limit= Couple of foam floats and a set of counter-rotating blades...

Hey - it's enough info for me. Good to see someone's getting out - I've been swamped with work and other problems.