rps

netboy, if I have angered you, I am sorry. I have merely stated opinions, in what I believed were precise terms. I realize your viewpoint may differ from mine, but my intent was not to start a war. I only wanted everyone to see more than one viewpoint.

I believe you, but I was asking for a scientific study. Anecdotal evidence may, or may not, be accurate. Percentages matter.

On the topic of trophy areas, is anyone aware of scientific studies that show trout stay in the trophy areas?

Rim was one of the very best for both rainbows and browns long before the regulations were imposed. I fished it many times in the 80's and early 90's. After the regs went into effect, I fished it a few times with single hook spoons. A short time after the regs were passed, I quit trying to fish there. Fly fishermen stood in the channel and cursed at me as I floated through.

You got rid of your box graters? Heresy!

netboy, you are one heck of a fisherman. I look forward to your posts. Perhaps we all need to rethink our points of view. Rights, powers, privileges, and duties are real world, not some ideal. Who pays for the fishery? The hatchery costs, the stocking costs, the monitoring, and the enforcement? Not the small minority of pure fly fishermen. Those who pay are tourists, bait fishermen, jerk bait fishermen, and drunken corporate outings. Their license fees and trout stamp fees make purist's fees look what they are -> drops in the bucket. Without those people, your fishery would not exist. I understand your viewpoint and your passion. I have seen it before in TU lobbying to make areas fishable only by their own preferred methods. I have noticed how the areas they target are the best areas. Explain Rim Shoals regulations to me, please. A simple example explains much. You suggested unscented plastics. That is a page from regulations lobbied for by TU, and designed to thwart any method other than their own chosen ones. Next, let us address you argument above. Yes trout die. Some from abuse. I agree, monofilament extending from a dead fish mouth is criminal. However, not every fish on the bottom was killed by a bait fisherman or a treble hook wielding tourist. Not every fish on a fly lives. Tell me you have never gill hooked a fish on a fly. The fish management algorithms take that into consideration. Other than walleye and bluegills, I have been a catch and release fisherman for 40+ years. I have paid thousands of dollars in license fees - in state, out of state, hunting, fishing, trout stamps, border lakes, whatever. I would think you might let the rest of us enjoy what we have earned.

Would not be the same, and would not reduce hook damage. However, requiring true circle hooks (not the offset variety) would certainly reduce the gut hook kills. As a brown trout bait fisherman who practices catch and release, I would support that regulation.

Far out! Right on!

Try it as your rub on smoked pork butt or brisket.

Surgically removed followed by radiation treatment to assure remission.

Boooo!

Cavenders is made in Harrison, Arkansas. Some say it is the only thing coming from Harrison that is worth anything. Just what I heard.

These type of things baffle and hurt me. I hope their families know how many people feel for them.

Way up lake, Big M and above all the way to Houseman, is never as bad. From the dam, you are talking 50 or 60 river miles. Trust me, the upper end holds good fish (perhaps not as many SM). Stay in crazy Eureka, launch at Holiday Island (they sometimes have nightly slips with power), and enjoy.

I learned to fish in Oklahoma. Except for Spavinaw and Tenkiller, most of the lakes look like that six months a year, even Grand. All the farm ponds do. Chartreuse spinner baits with large Colorado blades, chartreuse rattling Big O's, and 10 or 12 inch Jelly worms (purple or black) with a fire tail. When I moved to Arkansas, it took me two years or more to adjust.

Almost from scratch beanie weenie.

I have not posted lately. Boring food here. I do have a couple of pictures even though I have posted similar before.

Just an observation. I always found that by August, I caught more keepers on trolled cranks or vertical jigs and spoons. I ascribed it to bait speed and impulse bites as opposed to feeding bites. If I was using a harness, every minute or so, I would take the rod and pull it back until the tip was behind my head. Then I would let it drop back down on a slack line. I caught any number of hot water fish on the drop.

You are talking my language. Did you even use the big motor?

Bad day today. We had to put down the 15 year old boy Corgi, Sol, this morning. Didn't even try to fix dinner. Bought some grocery store sushi. Yak. It may have been a culinary adventure, but not one I will take again.

We all are.

Orzo vegetable stew.

Yes!

Retirement: Other than the wife, you don't need to listen to anyone or do what they want. Simply look them in the eye and say, "I'm retired." You can wear comfortable clothes. Dress up is optional and only required when you want. You can even wear sneakers at funerals. You can shop when everyone else is at work. People underestimate you. You can stand to one side and say, "In my day ..." Senior Discounts! You finally have a defense for forgetting something. Smile sheepishly and say. "Senior moment." Late night owl? Enjoy. Chime in if you want.

After about 55 or 60, you need reasons to keep working. A dear friend of mine is working at 80. Drinking days and 3 divorces leave him no choice. Another friend goes to the office every day, clean shaven and polished shoes. He loves what he does. Most are marking time. I am thankful, very thankful, I found a way to become a one of the keep working group because I loved it . I may have retired too early at 70.