Chief Grey Bear

Another sad fact is that even in the SBBMSA's, which been be in exsitance since 1991, over 20 years now, 20 inchers are not as common as was hoped for. We have discussed before that when you go back and look at the records and reports and such from the early 1900's through the '50's and '60's, it was a almost a cause for celebration when someone got one in the 20+ range. Dablemont, who spent many a year on the rivers, talks how hard it has always been to catch one the elite monters. But I am all for tighter regs on the rivers. Lets get our heads together off the forum and get some direction and get the ball rolling. Or we can just keep complaing as we have done for years.

Something to ponder. As you move from north to south, in the deer world, they get smaller. Will Alabama ever have "world class" deer? Not when comprared to Michigan or say Wisconsin. But in their own right, they pretty much do. May be the same can be said of Missouri deer. We have some very fine outstanding deer harvested in this state. Yet most don't think we compare with the northern states. And maybe not. Those deer up north are just plain brutes! When talking Smallmouth, I see similarities. More bigger fish are more common the further north you go. The further south, not so much. So here we are in the middle again. We have great fishing and we have enough pigs sprinkled in to keep things interesting. Will you be able to catch 20 inchers all day? You probably were never able to do that in the Ozarks. Life in the Ozarks is hard. It probably is no picnic for this brownies either. Although the White Paper was not popular with this crowd, it was a very telling report on what we have and probably what we are always going to have.

It would be understandable for you to think that. You are new to this forum. I wouldn't have had a problem if you would have called me on it or like others have done, sent a PM asking. I would have told you that it is just a bit of sarcasim. Scott is not new. He has known for years my status on C&R. We have talked many times on the phone, he knows full well I don't keep smallmouth. Hell, I rarely keep any fish. He blanantly and knowingly lied trying in a feeble attempt to deflect the attention of his own Hoosier antics of naming creeks the OP didn't. You can guaran-darn-tee he would thow a huge hissy fit if someone was to name one of the smaller creeks that he fishes and post pics of!

You may have fished it when they were still wiping your nose but that wasn't the point. The point is, if the OP didn't name the waterway, it isn't your job to do it for them. I am not saying I enlightened you on it, but I also remember the half dozen or so phone calls from you asking all kinds of info about it. And these weren't just five minute calls either, several times my battery went dead. You know you are lying here. You know, as well as everyone else on this board that I am a strict C&R when it comes to smallmouth. I have stated it many times and you know form conversations that I am. You also know that I am being sarcastic when I post that. Everybody here does. You also know I have never in my life put one on a stringer. To even post that BS speaks volumns on your true character. That was really sad and pathetic! You are absoutley tossing schit to see if it will stick!

I am pretty sure he wasn't using Google. One thing, which you kind of touch on in a way, is that over time, he noticed gravel bars growing, getting longer and wider. Which will come with the widening, and changing of channels. Which along with the loss, which he did mention, of the vegitation, you would think would add some murkieness. He also mentioned the vast land use practices along the corridor. What is really concerning me right now is the huge loss of forage. I have been seinging about once a week or so different spots for about 5 years now. I have seen a massive drop in minnows, all species, and crawdads. Which is not only a major food source for smallmouth but, just about every other fish in the river too.

Kind of like what happened here. Although at some point, much later, he did delete it.

Not all of them. I spoke with one, who is a Fisheries Regional Supervisor, earlier this year and is very knowledgeable on that area. We discussed many aspects of that and he mentioned all of the satellite photos of the last few decades that he has studied and noted you can see the changes over time. As we got deeper into the discussion it made me wonder how much has changed on the rivers that I fish that I think haven't changed that much either.

I dunno, you may be surprised.

I am not sure I like that idea. Would make goods taxed at 15% to 20% depending on the local sales tax rates in your area. And who, collectivly makes more purchaces? Us little guys. We are already paying the debt. Not sure we need to pay for more of it.<br /><br />I do like alot of the other ones though.

We already have a flat tax on goods and services. We all pay the same rate. I fail to see how that would help. Right????? Now a flat tax on income is a different story.

Agreed. Also agree. And might add that the current push, or in vouge rally, for smaller government and lower taxes is all fine and dandy. But it is those crying for it the loudest that are the first to scream when the government is not johnnie on the spot to fix their problem.

I agree. My only point was that you made it appear that the local prosecutor has the power to direct the MDC on what they will do, if said prosecutor sees fit. I didn't want someone thinking that they can call their local prosecutor and have them force the MDC to come get Joe Blow on X charge. Other than that we are on the same page.

How can you travel lighter than a bottle of propane? Weighs almost nothing and takes up almost no room. Unless you are talking just using what ever wood you find on the way. Then I buy what you are selling.

You get weekends off??

Oh look, I snagged a Mitch right in the mouth.

And Bush43

That is a definite possibility too! LOL!!!!!

Yeah see, with this type rule, it makes is tough to set some jugs and leave them for the night. Unless, like it says, you anchor them. You need them out over night to get the big boys in my opinion.<br /><br />But at any rate, jug fishing is a freaking blast!! Even baiting up a spot on the bank, along the flats, you can get some killer rod &amp; reel action for carp and cats.<br /><br />We ought to hook up some time and bait up a spot. Good times right there. I could pitch a tent at one the Corps areas and spend the weekend. Whoo Hoo!

You really don't have to set your lines deep to catch the big cats. It is more what area. Dad never had a jugline longer than 10ft when he was Grand and he had numerous cats in the 40+ range. His biggest was 65. And a couple of times he never did find a jug. His favorite jugs was the Tide and other big laundry jugs. As for eating you are right on with that!!! Those in your pic are the perfect sized as far as I am concerned. Especially if you do some grilling with them. OOOOh baby!!! That is also a great idea you have there with the crate. Makes it great for storage and mobility. Oh, I just thought, next time I go see him, he has a hook, I think was a 6/0 stainless, that is almost straightened. I'll get a pic of and post it. That was one big cat!! And to do that on a jug? That is horsepower! LOL!!!

I guess Phil must have let him know. The post is gone.

The prosecutor has zero extent to direct the actions of the MDC. Now they can certainly give the local agent a call and say "hey, I have been getting calls about such and such, didn't know if you knew." Which the agent would likely say, " yeahme too. I am looking into it" The sad part is it is the proecutors that have the power, once the agent writes the ticket, to stick it to the perp. And if the dummies would think about it, they get the money, for the schools, not the MDC. So why plea out and basically let them walk? It is the prosecutors that can make it real tough in their county on people stealing wildlife and destroying nature. All it takes to get it stopped is a few examples of what will happen and this crap will stop! But that is not what happens.

I didn't mean to imply that you were illegal. Here is the rule from the Wildlife Code book: (4) Live bait traps, hooks, trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, or anchored jug lines (rendered immobile from the location where set) may not be left unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours or must be completely removed. Unanchored jug lines in streams must be attended at all times by the permittee’s immediate presence. Unanchored jug lines in impounded waters must be attended by the permittee’s immediate presence at least one (1) time per hour. For purposes of this section, immediate presence is defined as within sight of the location of equipment in order to personally claim or identify such equipment during inspection by an agent of the department. I personally like to leave them out all night but can't do that now. Unless I anchor them. Which I guess is not a bad deal really.

Ya know, a couple of years ago I requested a forum where we could post info on canoes and yaks. Al has over the years posted great info as well as others. From questions like this to repairs, to you name it. There has been volumns of great advice posted here. But alas we got forums for Deadliest Catch and Pond fishing.

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but according to the Wildlife Code, jug lines have to be anchored with enough weight they can't be moved. I don't know of anyone actually getting in trouble with it but, my dad a couple of years ago got into quite a discussion with the warden that works T-Rock one day at Roaring River. Dad was less than impressed and it appears this man was going to interpret the rule how he saw fit. Even the at the time head honcho at the hatchery, who was good friends with dad, was at odds with this particular agent. Since then dad won't put a jug on T-Rock. I say take the good book with you and take your chances in court. He won't do it though.

Once Phil gets back, I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot less of Brian. At least with these types of post. Plus it is not like the libs have a lock on using two last names.