TroutBum4wt

That's good stuff. Thanks guys.

The switch rod did GREAT today on Taney. It took a little time to get down the single spey and circle casts, but I think we're heading in the right direction. I managed to land two 13 or 14 inch rainbows with the new rig. The fish were really strong. One hit my fly like a mack truck. I'm really sold on the spey/two-handed rod concept. I was casting (short and long) in places where I couldn't before with a single-handed rod. Cheers.

That first photo of the soaring eagle and mountain background is actually great! I would buy a print of it. At the very least, make a large print for you and your family. My compliments on your photography skills.

Thanks for the information guys. I'm doing my research on the matter.

Does anyone have experience with two-handed/spey/hybrid rods? I know there for big water and fish, but I'm wondering if they could be used for tailwaters, such as Taney, when the water is running high. Spey casting seems to fit the bill in such a situation.

TL, It was good to meet you, too. Hope your trip was fun.

Thanks for the post Phil.

The man-eating snake thing about Crane is true. Be very careful.

I started at the public area near the dairy farm. The water was still somewhat high, but very clear and fishable. I had the whole place to myself. Very peaceful. I used a 7 1/2' vintage bamboo rod with a DT5 wt. line and she did great, considering the lack of strikes and fights. I tried about everything I knew and one point I was actually casting behind a big tree to keep out of view of the fish. I fished deep, middle and on top of the water. I lost several flies to underwater logs, rocks and other stuff. I did have some trout flash around a black streamer I was striping in, but still no joy. I then went to the city park and tried my luck there. Still, not even a strike. The weather was great, I didn't rip a hole in my waders or skin from the thorn bushes and it was just nice to be fly fishing. It was a good day at Crane.

Tim or anyone, how's Crane now? I really need a fix.

I was down there the past couple of days and the water looks mightly fast and nasty. Be safe folks.

Drury-Mincy Conservation Area near Branson is a good place to hunt longbeards. The two-section, 4,089 acre public area is located 5 miles east of Branson on Highway 76, then 6 miles south on Route J, and 3/4 mile on County Road J40. The D-M Area Manager's number is 417-334-4830. The area has a lot of turkey and several places to setup at. It just depends how deep you want to walk. Branson, of course, is near and full of affordable motels/hotels and restaurants. Maps (both topo and aerial) of this Drury-Mincy and other public hunting spots are listed on MDC's web site. Look for "online atlas" towards the bottom of the page to start the search. Good hunting, be safe!

I'm thinking about giving it another go this year. I took a break last year. I'll probably head to Drury-Mincy CA or Boston Ferry CA, both in Taney County.

Strangercreek, Where is Roger's new store located in Liberty? I'm on the Liberty square every six months or so. Thanks

Tim, thanks for the information. That's really good stuff. Crane is also my favorite.

Any web sites or locations out there that sell good affordable fly rod blanks? I'm thinking 3wt right now for a new rod. Price range, no more than $40. I'm not really into e-bay, but it might be the best way to go. Thanks

One of these days we'll get to wade fish at Taney.

That's one big PIG!

John, great looking fish!!! The ruler on the rod is a good idea.

I went with the Sequoia and picked it up today. This thing is great!!! After the arrow rest and fur string silencers were installed, this 68-inch longbow was deadly silent and dead-on. This is my first traditional bow. So this means alot more practice, which I'm looking forward to. If you're ever in the market for a compound or traditional bow, visit Anglers and Archery Outfitters in Branson.(1/2 mile north of dam on Hwy. 165/www.anglersandarchery.com) Chuck, the owner, does a great job in setting up the bow and custom arrows, and offers good solid shooting advice. This is my second bow with them.

Strangercreek, what are the websites? I might just consider one. Thanks.

Kevin!!! Good to see you on the forum, man. I got your PM. The folks here are really good. Talk to you later.

I saw the green model at the Branson Bass Pro on Monday. They look cool. Haven't look at the BPS web site yet.

Great report and photos. Too bad it had to end. Looking forward to your next trout adventure with motroutbum and friends.

I just picked up some Wal-Mart spring "Fusion 3-DG" camo for this turkey and early bow season. I've had the WM fall fusion camo and it works. I looked at higher-end camo clothing at Bass Pro and on-line and this Wally Word stuff can't be beat for price, durability and stealth. A pair of pants and a long-sleeve T-shirt cost $27.80. The WM brand camo is a good alternative for the hunter on a budget.