T.J. Clarke

Naturally you move on when confronted with a person like this. My point was to cover your bases if you CANNOT get out of the situation. I would never encourage one to carry a weapon who does not wish to. Just the opposite.

I am a calm, nice, friendly person but there are way too many crazy stories out there for my taste. The pocket in the front of my chest waders is the perfect size for my 2-inch scandium light weight .357 magnum. We owe it to our family and each other to be able to return from the outdoors safely.

Last year when a guy drowned there, I became paranoid. Maybe it is because I always fish it alone. The next time I fished I wore a slimmer lifejacket. After that I felt sort of silly so ditched it.

Moonshine has some nice rods for a good price. Very happy with the fiberglass vintage style one I picked up.

I read the hatchery flooded this week due to the rains. The hatchery manager said he was "optimistic" the impact would be minimal?

Nice, and you are far enough away from all the concrete busting noise at Bennett!!

Ah, the Zara Spooks. Man are they fun to catch fish with!! Of all the top water rigs why does the Fishermans brain delight so much in that one lure?

Thanks for the nice report.

Not the best day, too many excuses. One good thing; I used my childhood shotgun Dad gave me, Mossy 20 ga. from 1971. Brought back great memories. Back at it this afternoon. Big flocks at the house naturally, more than at my plot!!

I'm going to anyway. Good for you; I retired on my #62 birthday and DO NOT regret it. Many people just wait too long. Too many identify their lives with a career only and refuse to retire.

I missed the public meeting on Bennett Springs future updates last Friday, but learned a few things anyway. It looks like the big news is a kids splash pad located at the old pool spot. New restrooms and playground. To be done March, 2025. I can hardly wait!!!!! I also learned something I never knew. The DNR Ranger for Bennett has to patrol Lake of the Ozarks Park and Ha Ha Tonka as well! Let me translate; 90% of his/her time Lake Ozark, 9% of his time at Tonka, 1% at Bennett. Flowers.

Note alternate routes for Folks headed to Bennett Springs. Missouri Route 64 over Goodwin Hollow Creek near Lebanon to close June 10 | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org)

Nice, Thanks for the report.

I really wanted to stop there but had to get home. It is on my list. Back in the late 90s the Mrs. and I did the DNR State Park Passport program. Did all the parks across the state, all the covered bridges, all the major civil war battlefields. It was one of the most enjoyable thinks we ever did. Learned a lot of history.

There is a lunker photo album in the lobby that is interesting. Gigantic Rainbows, even saw some people I knew in those pics. Many of them holding two fish well over 5 pounds. The catch and release is fairly pricey so I have not done that yet.

That rod is awesome.

Treated myself, or should I say cheated myself to Rockbridge Wed. Nice day, only six people fishing the entire time. Winter rate on the motel room, so that was nice. This fish was 3.5 pounds, other fish were 2 and 3 pounds. They put up a good fight, using 5 wt 1980s vintage L L Bean flyrod outfit. Stream looked good but saw a few pieces of trash. Saw no trash last time I went. I am a litter fanatic, so maybe I notice it more. They did not have a basic room cleaned so they gave me the upgraded room for the same rate. LOTS of big fish below dam. They are stocking it well even for a Wednesday off season. If you drive through Ava MO near RT. 5 check out Archie's restaurant for breakfast: 605 No. Jefferson. Nice Folks, good breakfast, discount always offered for first responders and military. Total cost for 3 fished cleaned/fillets, fishing fees and room, total= $171.97

When I used to drink had fond memories of many Commanders Palace 25 cent martini lunches.

This was the talk of my area as well. Scary, we must know some of the same folks.

Lie others have said try some jigs. Trim a tad bit of the feathers off the back. Try late in the day just before the ending whistle.

Two birds; one with the .410, one with the .28 gauge (pic below). Had to let a lot of birds pass using the .410 during opening minutes. It worked out fine, the Mrs. does not eat them. Enjoyed the short time out there, tomorrow is another day.

I fished it last week for 2 hours. It seemed there were some larger stockers than normal. Only caught two, one was a nice 1 pound on a San Juan. Since the schools are opening the crowds may not be as bad. Good luck.

The Lake area can be really depressing. Just look at all the crazy boating accidents alone. I feel sorry for the good folks that just want to take it easy at the Lake. I would take a beating before going to some of the bars up there. Bentleys for dinner is my speed. The last boat wreck with 8 people injured was a classic. Even a professional multi-state offshore power racer let a drunk dude pilot the boat at night. You cannot get any stupider than that. But hey, we all know the possible new casino will do a great deal to make the Lake area nicer.

Handful of cherry ones, but the mild banana peppers went crazy!!

Welcome! Thanks for your service....especially doing a full retirement enlistment. Congrats on that.