Don

Rich, Thanks, I had a good time fishing up at Bennett with you last year. I don't think I can make this one because I'm spread pretty thin right now, especially weekdays. Keep in mind, the OAF gathering at Taney May 19. Come down and fish with us this time. Take care.....Don

Here's the link that inspired my initial post. I like the geodesic design. It has an excellent customer review. Price on this one prevents my purchase at this time. I like the aluminum pole option with this one, durability and weight is desirable. I just can't believe difference in price of the tent with aluminum vs. fiberglass poles. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true Don

Motroutbum, I was warned about the drift boat traffic before I went to San Juan. Yes, it's true. I couldn't believe the amount of boat traffic. However, it was not a negative. The Texas hole is so wide that the boats kept on the far side of the river to where nobody could cast that far. Down river, I just said hello and waited for them to pass by. Even times individuals were fishing the top of THole on the mesa side, I noticed drift boats and guides gave them their space. I really appreciated the ettiquette out there. I've had more "experiences" here in the Ozarks as far as letting one have their space. The most amusing was when a friend of mine and myself were fishing the Norfork a few years ago. One guy was behind him and was casting all the way to the back of his legs. My friend was on his cell giving a fishing report when this happened. He stated very loudly that some "hoosier" just almost casted between his legs and that since he had a packed lunch in his cooler on the bank next to him, he wouldn't be surprised if the "hoosier" went to tha bank and eventually started eating his lunch for him . Don

I remenber my first experience with Bass Pro. I was age 12 in 1974 when we moved to the Ozarks. I was catching alot of bass in our farm pond and I needed some "killer" plastic worms. Bass Pro was nothing but one aisle of fishing tackle for sale at the back of a Brown Derby liquor store. After begging his leg off, my father took me there one day. I remember I purchased a package of Mann's red jelly worms with a pack of weedless hooks with a weedguard on them. But most important, I bought a pack of natural color "Creme" brand of plastic worms that already had the hooks in them. They worked great. As much as I grump about giant retail Bass Pro these days, I still find myself there way too much. Don You think Taney is crowded in October? I'm glad they named it Bass Pro instead of Trout Pro. If you don't agree, just ask their brother, former presidential candidate Ross Pro. Don

What's the name of your team? Don

What's the name of your team? Don

I don't have a problem with responsible developers. In a few years, I'll be viewing part of the largest development in the history of christian county. I live where I live to get away from all that. I't will be sad to look at the open scenic natural countryside I grew up in and see it packed with houses. On the other hand, we cannot stop growth, so it is important we accompany the growth with proper infrastructure. As long as the developer does the right thing and does not have a high impact on environmental aspects (Overlook Estates) because houses do not belong everywhere. Proper zoning may have some influences. Terrell Creek subdivision in my neck of the woods is experiencing some holdups at the time because local citizens want to ensure things are done right. Caveat to those who oppose the development. The 2000 plus acre development will be made up of quality and attractive homes. The alternative could result in a combination of many lower end subdivisions running on wells and septics instead of water and sewer. Don

I live in the middle of a large pasture full of cattle and am keenly aware of all the losses caused by coyotes and dogs. If they were my cattle, and I were losing calves, I would not hesitate to shoot at any animal, regardless how rare, in order to protect my livelihood. Also, it had been previously reported that individuals knew the whereabouts of the wolves. Captive efforts could have been taken if it was a priority to get the wolves back. Don

Lots of good commentary on this sad issue. The anti-gun liberals started preaching in the workplace within minutes of hearing the news. Some even smiled, as if they just experienced victory of some sort. Were any of them willing to take one second to listen to a rebuttal? Heck no! C.C. Love those quotes. Keep them coming. Don

Mallard, you were right, I just heard on the news that the male was shot and killed by a rancher last week protecting his livestock. Authorities say thay cannot find the female or any pups and the worst is expected. I'm just curious if the rancher or the livestock were actually threatened or if he just wanted to go wolf hunting. Don

I was also down there. I started at 11:30 and fished the gauntlet until lunch at 2:00. I caught 22 on eggs bodacious in the seams. I've never seen so much moss before at Taney. My friend cooked brats with onions and jalapenos at the pavillion. I brought buffalo summer sausage and cheese. Good stuff. Back to gauntlet from 3:00-7:30. I caught 8 more on the eggs and 24 bows drifting and swinging a grayish pine squirell I received from Leonard in the last swap. Kudos again Leonard. It broke off at the knot. Did I tie any extras? Duh. No. I found a natural color rabbit leech and caught 4. Squirrel was better than rabbit. Earlier i tried an orange wooly bugger, no strikes, and a size 14 PMD grizzly crackleback, and again, no strikes. I missed a ton of fish today. It was the first day I trout fished without ever using a drift indicator. Weather was great. Fish were hungry and fighting hard. Don

Thanks for the feedback folks, I hate to admit it but I bought one based on my restricted budget. It's a 14' by 14' SwissGear model for $100 from Sams Club. After I got it home, I realized the poles were not configured as I anticipated by looking at the picture of the tent. 10 yr warranty, so what the hey? I'll give it a test. I really wanted a 4 season, wind resistant, aluminum pole tent similar to what Gavin described. There some good ones like that in Cabela's. Maybe someday. Thanks again.....Don

I could easily prefer a kayak over a float tube. But, what about a kayak compared to a pontoon drift boat? I know there is give and take between the two, but I'm curious. Why would one prefer one over the other? Don

I was down there yesterday afternoon. Nymphing was slow, just a few hookups. Started larger flies and picked up over two dozen, missed just as many. Took them all from rebar on down. One was a 14 in brown. Used salmon eggs bodacious, pine squirrel sculpin, and a variety of woolies. Don

Weve got: Troutchaser Kevin Terry Don

I'm glad everything went well and I wish you a speedy recovery. Don

I received the same picture via email about a week ago. The following is the comment that was attached to it: Awesome.... nighttime photo of lightning and tornado This is a spectacular "Night" picture of the tornado that went thru portions of Sedalia, MO on March 10, 2006. If it hadn't been for the lightning at the same time as the pic was shot, you would never have seen the massive tornado funnel already on the ground. When you hear a nighttime tornado warning for your area, take cover because most of the time you will never see it coming. This won't happen again for a long, long time.

Jimmy T, They look great and what a bargain. Looks like I gotta start tying. Thanks again.....Don

I tried that needlepoint thing. But, during the last yarn sale at the local crafts supply store, a bunch of rabid grandmothers about knocked me to the floor trying to be the first person to the clearance bin. It was so crowded I could hardly walk down the aisle. A few of them were even shuffling. I had enough of that and had to go back to flyfishing. Don

The deliverance part needs to be left out when you write about it. No used to describe that aspect of the story. Sorry I've even mentioned it. Taney hillbillies are rough trade, It's just a given when fishing Taney County, be aware. I have more teeth tnan they do....Don

Hey dano, I almost looked up riversmallies, but before I did, could you elaborate somewhat on the subject or should I refer to it on the internet? Thanks....Don

Bill, If I remember correctly, you had a post that was similar to this one last year. Yeah, it's amazing. So many people think it's the family thing to do by buying a boat, camper, etc. It's comparable to the golf boon in the 90's. Too many times I can't get a campground because of RV'rs have reserved most of excess of capacity. When time comes, they don't show and we can finally find a site. Boats and campers have become almost commonplace that I'm still waiting for prices to go down on used units. The mentality I describe (Lord knows I've been there)For example, I've seen a man fish a spot that I caught many trout out of in a few hours. The thing is, he gaught two trout out of this spot today so he isn't about to move. It's just the price we pay for the growing popularity of flyfishing? I need to learn to share.....Don

Hey, I'll gingerly and nonintrusively wade nearby and ask what he's doing and using. Many times that I'm the watcher, I'm always willing to share all my details if a person approaches respectively in the same way. I've recived the response I've needed by doing the same. Don

I'm a little late, but best birthday wishes to all of you April Fools babies. Don