Chief Grey Bear

Remember, they need our eyes also to help them. They can't be everywhere all the time. We must also remember these people made a life choice to go into this field because their love of nature is as strong or stronger than ours. That is why they made the sacrafice and commitment to dedicate their lives to this. It is very easy to get angry at them because they don't do what we think they should be doing. Just take a breath and reflect for a moment before you jump them.

But yeah, I agree that is not the float it used to be.

I wasn't on Elk last weekend but the top water bite was hot all day long. In fact at my put in, I just stood there fishing for a minute and quickly hit the tri fecta of black bass on top water. I am planning on doing it again in a couple of days.

That is super news Scott. Sounds like things are beginning to gell! There is more work to be done than this. There are much bigger problems facing our waterways. There are thousands of Crowbars in this state. Every one of them legal. Just like the clown you ran into. They are out there every weekend. We have to work to change unimpounded water regulations and work with land owners to help repair the rivers and streams. I have said right here on this forum for years that this is a great area for the MSA to step in and take charge and really make a difference. I am not saying illegal gigging is not hurtful either. Just not convinced it is as devastating as the catch and keep crowd which are pulling them out of the rivers all year long.

What a bunch of crap! Was that the correct term? Because it is not the one I really want to use!

Ya know, those are great for getting lead for pouring.

I am not beating on Scott in the least Wayne. He was definitely nicer to the guy then I would have been. I just won't acknowledge them most times. Saw one of these inbreds down on Big Sugar a couple of weeks ago. He strung up three fat, juicy, brownies one of them about 17 or maybe even 18. He was just as proud as he could be. He layed them out at the take out for all to see and kept scanning the crowd for gawkers so he could brag. As I was doing my work to put stuff away, he knew I saw the fish but never said a word. Corndawg wouldn't speak to him either. He finally asked me what time it was for whatever reason. I think he thought if he broke the ice, I would listen to him brag to me. I just quickly told him the time and went on about my business. He was perfectly legal, but I have no time for him. So yes, as I have been told before, I am a Smallmouth Snob. And I am not ashamed.

I am as disgusted with this as everyone here. But let me play devil's advocate here for just a second and then I will come right back to this side. Knowing what I do about MDC operations, this cat is on the radar big time now. They are not happy about this let me assure you guy's. But one piece of troubling fact is that there is a rod in the photo. He could argue that he legally caught the fish with the rod. He could argue that he legally possessed the fish as we see he did others. I am not even sure that fish was alive when that photo was taken. He can argue that the fish was dead and they then just for fun posed for the picture. Now we believe that is not the case at all and most likely so. But it would a very hard case to prove in a court of law. Now back to sensibility, I am against spear fishing and bow fishing especially on unimpounded waters. I am not really a fan of spearfishing in lakes either but.... I floated Elk river a few weeks ago and could see the carnage all along the river from bow fishermen. I even saw them out there in their jetboat buzzing up and down the river looking for surfacing gar. It looks as if they are pounding this water every weekend shooting gar. I saw literally a 100 carcasses. They were floating, on gravel bars and a whole pile of them at the take out. I know some of you are not gar fans and you think they prey only on smallouth. Well remember this, they have been here a few MILLION years longer than most all other species in our waters. It was the other species that we love to chase the evolved and migrated into the gar's territory. So they must all be getting along just fine. Heck besides a rock, what else can you hold that has survived this earth for so long. There are presious few animals from that era left. Al, I would like to get with you, Matt, and Dan and begin some real discussion on what direction the MSA needs to move to approach the MDC on these issues.

Epic! Well, except for all the mishaps. But you survived and have great pics to go with the great memories.

You are absoutly correct Jer. Nothing get by you by golly.

Is that a stringer I see?

They are just mad because that word stuck and Honky didn't.

That is great news. Didn't think you weighed anywhere near 250 though! You still not smoking???

Forget this post. I screwed it up!

In honor of Ray Krouscup, I submit this for my Friday Fishin Foto. Sadly I only met him once. I really wish I would have gotten back down there to see him. I enjoyed him ribbing me here on this forum. He was one of the last of his kind. God rest your soul Ray. I'll see you later.

Awesome photo's!!!

Just curious as to how they would/could enforce that? Not saying I disagree, just wondering how?

Yeah and they will make a show about anything. The sad part is, there is not any reality in reality tv.

So you are saying that the tea baggers are operating for profit?

How would it cost them votes? It didn't stop them from operating. It just stopped them from operating on the taxpayers dime. Which is kind of funny when you think about it. Here is a group that hates paying taxes and makes it one of their anti-government platforms. Complains when they are checked on to make sure they are ligit, which they weren't, which is what the IRS is supposed to do, and complains that GE is not paying taxes.

Yeah but Oklahoma has hiway's rougher than our dirt roads for crying out loud.

Look at the bright side Ollie, we could be like Oklahoma and have roads like theirs. Personally, I'll take what we have. And before my personal stalker comes along, I wasn't getting personal with you.

Can I ask what was unethical about it?

Sorry about that Ness. Typo's happen to the humble. But don't confuse me trying give you a clue about what being personal is with being rattled. And I will admit I surprised that as for the rest of your post, I agree completely.

Sorry Al, I can't respond. I some how made this personal.