Phil Lilley

There's a similar occurrence on Bull Shoals... decline in shad. But I don't think you can blame that on brown trout can you? Since the lakes are so closely connected, the cause could be the same, could it not? By the way, MDC doesn't know the reason for the decline (BS), only that it may be a natural progression of an aging, man-made lake... ie. freshwater shrimp/Lake Taneycomo.

We just got 2 new G3 Eagles... 90 hp Yamahas I really like them!!

Note: We had 41 boats in the tournament yesterday. From experience, the boat count was way less than I expected. 13 boats between Short and Fall is nothing for a Saturday. Five above Fall Creek- super light but not as unusual as 13 below. We'll see what the count is next Saturday.

Fish finders server little purpose on the upper lake.

Trav, I'd ask for a link to any studies you would refer to in your opening statement, if nothing else, to give credence to your arguments. Is there any studies referring to your statement about browns eating "everything"?

This may be taken as a post to prove my point about tournaments... it really isn't. I wanted to see for myself how crowded the boats were at least above our place on a tournament day. From Lilleys to Short Creek - 5 boats Short to Fall Creek - 13 boats Fall Creek to Lookout - 5 boats Count was taken about 1 p.m. Will take a count for the next couple of Saturdays and see what the difference is, if any. Two weeks from today, though, is a holiday weekend.

Ahhh... you're watching Verses too!!

I thought it was the casting... and I agree with you in that sense. But I like to catch fish too. We had a client in Alaska last season who would not use the c-n-d method and subsequently did not catch a fraction of the fish we did... but it really was ok with him. He had a great time as well. Oh yea- welcome to OAF!!

I think you can say the same for any other "groups" of people... race car enthusiasts and their favorite class of racing, guys and their make of cars, even beer drinkers slam each other over "more taste, less filling". Republicans and Democrats... guys and gals... the list goes on. People and people, regardless of likes and dislikes and they all interact differently. We try to get along but and most of the time we do. But sometimes we just love being grumpy... we feel we have the right to be I guess.

Interesting you mentioned chuck-n-duck. Not many people know the term more or less have used it, or tried it. In Michigan and Alaska where I use the technique, the only alternative is fishing with a float with weight to get and keep the fly on the bottom. I tried to out fish Jim in Alaska using a float and he beat me 8 to 1. But he usually beats me 3 to 1 when both of us are using the c-n-d method. I see why some don't like it. But it's very efficient at catching fish in certain conditions.

What do you mean by "electronics".

No Table Rock, sorry.

That would be cool to take it other places and try it. The White would be cool... just have to avoid the natives' glares

My dock will be empty Saturday so come on. I've seen them catch quite a few fish today off the dock. Supposed to be a beautiful day.

I don't understand the perception of tournament - here on Taney. I can the big lakes cause the contestants do zip around the lake in their 300 hp rigs. But this lake is full every weekend in February - every weekend - tournament or not. And boats zip around just the same... There's no difference in this weekend and next weekend as far as boat traffic. I'll even count them for you. And yes, there is a private tourney. About 50 boats. 8 am - 3 pm. They're a bunch of guys from St Louis that have been fishing together for 24 years now. Sorry to sound defensive... but it's something I hear all the time and it's a misconception. If they were as bad as some say they are, I wouldn't host them.

"I have heard a couple of guys on different sites belly ache about being denied access to your site...little do you know how right those decisions have been on your part." That's interest... I've only deleted one membership- just one. Never denied anyone except spammers and we just don't validate them. May be it was because I don't allow ronche jabber like some forums. Whatever.... I have quite a few guests and even friends who have a tough time with the internet. Anything new throws them. Some can't type... some can't spell... some are intimidated and will never post anything. All that's ok and I welcome them all. When I write and post articles I'm not looking for anything in return. The forum is the same way, although it wouldn't be the same if I were the only one posting. It takes everyone.

Well... no poll. But a fine idea- thanks. If the "wrong" side won, I still wouldn't change it so no matter. Just thought it'd be a good topic for discussion. Wasn't just picking on the smallmouth forum... I've noticed alot of forums are doing the same thing. Was looking for a new skin. All those sites use a forum format and all require you to register just to see their wares... I backed out of most of them and they lost business.

I notice that more and more forums require all viewers to register before they can see threads. I like the site but I think alot of people back out and won't register, most of the time because users are intimidated by the process. Or they don't want to give out their email address. If you look at OAF's online users, at any time we have about twice the number of guests viewing the forum compared to members. If I wanted to beef up my member numbers I guest I could force people to join but how many would I lose? Not worth it to me. I could open the forum so that non guests could post... but that may open a can of worms. I know John Wilson shut the door on non guests posting on his forum cause there isn't any accountability there. Any thoughts? Not planning on changing anything so don't think I'm considering it... just wanted to know your thoughts.

Interesting... sure it would work. Then both could fish - actually one person take the boat and could fish from the platform with this feature.

I have the opportunity to buy a flats boat for rental purposes. If you don't know what a flats boat is- here's one: Has a poling platform on the back. Made for shallow water. I'd put a 60 hp prop on it. I love to go up and fish the shallow side flats below Lookout for midging rainbows. I use my Landau right now with the trolling motor but there are 2 drawbacks- noise and the lack of ability to go real shallow with the trolling motor. In a rental situation, one person would pole and one fish, switching off duties. The pole is designed tobe sunk into the sand and lashed to the platform for anchoring but I don't think our gravel bottom will allow that. The person on the poling platform could fish too if I rigged a small anchor system somewhere on the back. A quick release trolling motor could be mounted on the front during generation periods. My question is- would anyone rent it? Is this interesting and different enough to lure you waders to try something different? Please be honest- I will not be offended if you say this idea really sucks. I need alot of input. Thanks

I'd think they'd be clear by morning with the trucks out. But I'd be careful in town.

I got a bunch given to me by the former Castaic Baits owner- I'll share.

Don't push it....

Sure... anything for you buddy!!

no problem