grizwilson

10 hp limit on Buffalo and Crooked Creek, Norfork Tailwater wide open. I have a 9.9 prop long shaft just pull the 20 jet put on the 9.9 and go, jet 5 in high, long shaft 5 in low... works great. But if any mech skills takes about 20-30 min to convert the jet to a prop visa versa, transom is a bit tricky though

They can go anywhere, but in the high water they suck up "junk" and you have to stop and clean the intakes often enough to .... buy a prop motor to use in high water. Listening to your wife whine is better than digging crap out of your jet all day, besides one of them might break down so you have a spare.

Where do you mount the "whale tail" on a Jet? Sounds like a great idea?

The gauge at St. Joe is just under 6, I always figure 5.5 to 6.5 perfect for riverboat on the river. Great opportunity. Buffalo gets my vote, I may try the White tomorrow and lower Buffalo Tuesday.

Check out: http://www.longboatoutfitters.com/ I run two white river boats, both 21 feet, one an aluminum 36" floor, rockered on both ends mostly floating and where I do not want to bang up my glass boat. The other a 42" floor Champion, that is flat and smooth with a slight rocker at the back. Love both. The only way I would look at a total flat boat is to run a jet. Trouble with a jet in this area and White River is rather than the small gravel like on the Current we have many boulders that hide just under surface, when you hit one at speed that is needed to plane on a jet, hard on the boat and often dislodges passengers (alway wear a kill swithch) The other issue with the jet (I can talk bad because I have one) They suck up that coon tail and become clogged with leaves in high water, they are noisy and too large to run legally on the Buffalo or Crooked. A river jon wilh a 9.9 will float over most stuff and go most places. That said the Supremes are beautiful boats, (again I can talk bad because I have a nice finished boat) a source of pride and a joy to fish out of. That said it is a river boat and is going to get banged, a Shawnee or J&S in a plain type finish is a lot easier to stomach than that beautiful chips of red fiberglass and gel coat floating down the beautiful clear water..... my 2 cents g

The new electronics are something, they can find crappie like noting I have ever seen. But to me they are terriblely expensive. That said last spring I broke down and bought a HB 798SI, it works wonderful but felt my wallet had be violated. The pain did not last long as it worked so well I added a 1197SI in July. Too darn much money but who can place the true value on 15 crappie, I mean shoot that is 30 fillets. check out Bass boat central they have huge discussions on the electronics. I think Lowrance has their problems corrected and have a better picture but the humminbird is simpler to operate for me and I need simple. http://www.bbcboards.net/ g

Have to wait til he gets back from out west

Just to add to Al's post this is the Best Expoxy I have found, it dries slick but has some flex so does not break. The Video says it all and I have had good luck with Jamsetown Dist. if you watch every few weeks they will have a deal on shipping. G http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/videoDisplay.do?videoId=939&title=Kayak+Destruction++

I try not go if it is below 3.5 at St. Joe, if it is 4.5 I can take my river boat and go in comfort. It appears it did not get a bump. We are hoping to go 10/8 but will need more water. Check this site for some base line recommendations: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/state-summary/state/AR/ or http://ar.water.usgs.gov/buffaloriver/ g

I like Royalex account of the weight. The poly boats are heavier but tougher. I have a Discovery 15 8 in very good shape, been floated some has some scratches but no true damage, have not used in 3 years hanging on the shed wall would take $400 (firm) A much better boat than the pelican. Need to get around to posting in for sale.

How on earth do they raise all of those crawfish in Louisana? They do not have subustrate, all I see is silt and mud? Just wondering.

Water Hikers in Nixa has demo days in Ozark once a month, they carry Old Town. Ozark Mt. Trading Co. in Garfield Ar. carry Buffalo and Mad River they will be happy to run you down to the water and let you try them. Super good folks. http://www.ozarkmtc.com/ http://www.waterhikers.com/ g

No, if you chose to try it make sure your wife has a large life insurance policy. Several folks die here every year, many more rescued.

15 lb and $500....

They do have them at Dick's for 399 but 240 shipping. Wish I would have found yours before I paid for a pack angler plus tax...about 1/2 price for about 15 lbs.

Excellent report. Great area. Did you see many elk? Have some buddies going in the south side at Budges in Sept pack in and camp near doe creek.

I have 3 friends paying 800-1200 a month in alimony..... My wife has the best fishing equipment we can buy.... GREAT investment...I Love Both and am blessed appears you are too. cudos!

Have a Old Town Disco 158 in good shape that I have not been using. Thinking of selling or trading for a SOT Kayak, to use mostly in rivers around the Ozarks but might want to do some edges in the Keys. My size of 5'10" 250 demands a pretty good size boat. Hate to open a can of worms on brands etc,. but looking for ideas for a SOT.

I am jealous, sitting here in this 100 degree heat.

Often I might have a new caster go one line up for floating line to help them get the feel of the rod loading, matter of fact a Jr. High neighbor is using one of my 7 wt. on his new 6 wt. rig rignt now, once he gets the feel will go to the 6. But on sinking lines I generally do the reverse, go one weight lighter until they get the feel of them.... works for me. See if you can borrow a line and try it.

Thanks will email west systems and get their suggestion.

My Royalex old town is needing some skid plates on each end. I am thinking of kevlar but not sure what to use to soak and seal them. Old town packages come with polyester resin, some use epoxy from the auto parts store. A friend suggested a product called G Flex made by west systems. I can buy the kevlar for about $30 on ebay, so whatever I do will be far less that a kit from old town of about 130. Thanks g

Two things to consider. 1 it is a VERY dry climate, waders will dry very quickly if you can just lay them in the sun before heading to the airport. I have made numerous trips out west,since the mid 80s after mid july I rarely use waders and never use neopreme. This year they had alot of snow so the rivers will be higher though. I usually take waders but end up in my simms sandals. Do not forget bug spray, sun screen and lip balm. Drink lots of water. Just my two cents. g

I agree and the biggest problem is the 250# old man with diminishing balance above the water line. Have had more problems falling out than turning over. It is hell to get old but sure beats the alternative. Thanks

Al I appreciate your suggestions. I had moved the seat fwd a little and that seemed to take away my quick turns. That said you have me thinking of maybe moving the seat on top of the bracket instead of under. I am concerned that too high will make the little buger squirely. I know the Pack has a web seat this rig has a molded that I surprislingly found comfortable to sit in. I use it just for day trips, and love the way it floats and handles. I use my disco for overnighters, as I hate to pack enough in the little guy for a good camp. Will give it another whoorl with your ideas. THANKS