Chief Grey Bear

Oh you bet you can come along. It would be an honor to fish with you. But I don't want you getting all teary eyed when you see that beautiful canoe I use. FT57 - The James starts near Seymour, east of Springfield. From the beginning it makes an arch toward Springfield where from there it continues south into T-Rock.

Yeah I long rod. But only from late Nov through late Feb. Not sure on an exact date yet. I will have to check on my divorce status. Right now it is running high due to having trips on the calander through June. It is not likely to drop until to an acceptable level until level until fall. But I have been know to sneek a extra trip in here and there. I don't care where we put in. You are supposed to be the teacher. I am expecting to get a whooping whether down there or up here. I only do about 5 miles a day. But don't plan on building any campfires and fishing until its fished out. You start staying until the hole is fished out and you will paddle right through lots of good water on the bottom end cause it is getting to late. I fish everthing west of the James River in SWMO. Ain't really any need to go anywhere else. But I do for the scenery. As for what I target, just black bass. I don't break it down to a certain species of black bass. If you do that, you miss a lot of great fishing. And Goggle eye. I am not sure how Crooked creek flows in summer or fall. It gets pretty low doesn't it? Don't we need to float it in the spring?

Well, it sounds like I'll need to bring mine. Since you are giving the lesson, I'll sit in the back and do the paddling. I don't want to hear any excuses.

Well, if a 3-dayer is all I can get out of you I guess I'll take it. I won't need the trout tag. I want to float Crooked Creek. You gotta canoe?

You buying my license?

Ahhh, I had a feeling it had to have been a private lake. Sounds like that lake needs some flathead cats stocked.

I also got a PM from someone about this very thing. I deleted the whole post. In my mind it was the right thing to do. Back down from a few idiots? Great to make friends that may have shared some of that info you obvioulsy need via a PM due to the fact you are incapable of doing any research on your own. Fat chance getting it from me. Bullying? There was nothing even remotly close to bullying. I offered a "friendly suggestion". I never said don't post a report. like Ollie stated, all I was trying to say was ease up on the exact location. But hey post the GPS coordinates for all I care. But don't start crying when it starts looking like an extension of the Elk during the summer. BTW, I see you have been a part of this forum since 2006. Yet you have made less than 30 post? Where are all of your reports? We want details? We want access points?

Really??? Can you provide a link to some info on the regs to this lake? I am not sure how this could even be inforced. I am not doubting what you are saying, just guestioning. Sounds almost like the MDC telling bird watchers that if they see a Starling they must shoot and kill it. Which is recommended but, you certainly won't get a ticket if you don't.

Hell, I'll say it right here since you want to put it all out there. It was me that sent that PM. Nobody was jumping your case. Post on cowboy.

He may mean a Pine Siskin. Purple Martins don't eat from feeders.

I like that one too. It is really a lot of fun.

Hey Mike, Did you end up buying a canoe? Glad to hear everthing turnded out ok. When you told me that you had been in a canoe on a lake but not in a river, I knew I should put you in the jon. It is much more forgiving and more stable. Being in a canoe on a river or creek is a totally different monster. But it sounds as if you are starting to understand the dynamics of floating an Ozark stream. How did your dad like floating over here? You need to have him come back this summer and we'll all hook up and do another float. You ready to do it again? Fishing is pretty hot right now. Had a good trip last weekend.

I figured as much. I'll buy the license. We'll consider it tuition for the lesson I am about to recieve.

Great! When do you want plan on giving me a lesson?

Good story there Big Minnow. I am glad it turned out the way it did. I bet they wish they would have moved on now!

Its a lost cause eric. We had this same conversation about a year or so ago. And the same crap is being spread again. But I do appriciate you and SKMO bringing some truth to the conversation. An avid outdoorsman for 40+ years would know better. But that is just my point of view and one certainly has the right not to agree.

There are some pits and ponds that are well off the beaten path for sure. What a great adventure it is though. If you are willing to treat her with kindness and love, she will share her secrets and bounty. But it won't be easy. And that is the beauty of her soul, which she does not share with just anyone.

Talbot - Great pond fishing if you don't mind doing some walking. The two "lakes" there can be hit or miss. But at this time of year should provide some action. Kellogg - Nothing like it was when I was a kid. But nothing ever is. Lots of small crappie. I mean 8 inch and down. Last I knew it was really tough to catch a bass. Perch are not as abuntant either. But I have heard they may be going to redo the whole lake. I think they may be going to drain it and dig it out and such. Deep spot now is only about 6ft. It was choked with plant life on the nothern end out to about the island last time I was there. Lamar - Talked to a friend this week who fished last Saturday and caught 150 crappie. Not one keeper though. It does have some nice bass if you find them. This lake does get a lot of pressure. Bushwhacker - I hear that some good stringers of crappie are being caught now. It also has good populations of large, 10 inch +, Bluegill. If you go here, beware of the wind. This is a prairie lake and runs north-south. You may get to one end very quickly but, can it be a booger getting back. Also while in the area, don't forget about Shawnee Trail. Lots of great strip pits and ponds.

I had figured all along that it followed some line like that.

I would say so. ***Please check Post #1 for the latest update.***

Just what is a OAF contributor? I have seen that while others, that post more reports and information are just "fishing buddies".

Hey , great to hear from the both of you. It will be great to have both of you join us. If you get a chance don't hesitate to bring the kids. You bet we can find you a seat. Buzz how about it?

Looks like this one is going to be a great turnout! For those that have not signed up, this is a great chance to put a face with a name! Not only that but some great food, a great float, and some great fishing! Com'on what are ya waiting on! Don't be shy! Some day this may rival the OAF New Years fest. OK maybe not but, it is a heck of a good time. And if you have kids, that is all the better! There will be quite a few with us on this one. And what a great time to get them together! Especially if they have never floated before. Hope to see you there!

You may keep up to 15 total in aggregate of Goggle eye(Northern, Ozark and Shadow) and Warmouth. There are no length limits except on certain areas of Big Piney, Courtois Creek, Eleven Point, Huzzah Creek, Meramec River, and the Osage Fork. In certain areas of those, they must be at least 8 inches. Myself, I don't keep them below 10 inches. But that is just me. There is certainly nothing wrong with a mess of 8-10 inchers. As for the eating part, I just scale them and then cut the head off right behind the gill and clean out the guts. Roll in your favorite seasoned cornmeal, fry, and enjoy with fried taters & onions and some pork n beans! Wash down with your favorite beveage and some good company and life can't get much better! Just as life in the Ozarks was intended!

Far more people are shot and/or killed on private land than public in Missouri. I turkey hunt public land Missouri and rarely see anyone.