Paola Cat

I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth . Very disturbing.

There you go .... man-up ..... you don't need no stinkin' waders this time of year. I think I remember the story about FFM's brother .... yikes! I bought a pair of Cabelas welded pro guide waders last fall .... so far so good.

9' leader. 5X-7X tippet based on the water clarity and conditions. I primarily fish SHs with no weight and use a floating line. Rarely I'll use a split shot.

I agree .... the last time I was up there it was disappointing. Limited inventory ... some new kid in the shop that really didn't know much. Finally Tim came out from the back and helped me out.

Jah .... that is a stellar day for BC for sure. A 40+ fish day at BC is incredible. Awesome. Good job.

:lol: :lol: :lol: You forgot the stream bred wild trout from LP, Mill, and Crane ..... those are tasty. OK seriously .... I've been grilling salmon and tilapia. Made a few fried pollock fish sandwiches recently. I've still got a bunch of crappie fillets in the freezer too. I think I've also got 4 trout park rainbows.

Jerry .... still got it. Chevy Colorado .... Miami County plates. I remember your vehicle. Not sure yet if I'm going but the odds are improving.

That's some stellar SMB water. I've floated it many times .... In dead summer there's some draggin' but the fishing more than makes up for it.

B. I might see ya down there Jerry .... thinking about going myself.

DaddyO is right on .... nothing wrong with a BPS or Cabelas starter combo.

MDC's Leadmine CA. Access Location 37.863678, -92.897783 Location 37.861324, -92.913119 Tunas east State Hwy E 3.7 miles, south State Hwy T 0.7 mile, east State Hwy YY 0.5 mile, north entrance to Lead Mine, State Forest RD. 3.2 miles, left boat access 0.8 mile.

Since you're a beginner, I would cast a Rio Santo and an Imperial (both made in Mexico). I have heard/seen good reviews on 2010 Imperials. You should also cast an Avid and a Legend Ultra (both made in the US). Those are going to cost more. IMHO you get what you pay for. I don't know much about the Rio Santo but it's supposed to be a beginners/entry level rod. The Rio Santo is the lowest cost offering. I think you can actually get a Rio Santo complete outfit (rod, reel, line, backing, and case). There's probably a bunch of Triumphs and Reigns out on the clearance or used market. I was not a fan of those 2 models. Take a look at the TFO offerings also. I have owned TFO Professionals and they were OK. You also might be able to pick up a Sage Launch on EBAY .... great beginner rod.

That's really a personal preference and how much space you have to haul a rod. They will all work fine on the LIR and at RRSP. In most instances a 2 piece rod will cost less ..... although certain rods are only offered in 4 piece models.

Always try first before you buy. A 9' 4wt or 5wt should be sufficient. I would look at St. Croix, Echo, or TFO. Buying a rod is like buying a vehicle .... everybody has an opinion on what is best. What's important is what's best for you. That's why you need to try them first. I wouldn't spend a ton on a reel .... it's not that important if you are just getting started. I have heard good things about the Wright & McGill Plunge starter outfit but I have never cast one. You might check into it. Other options include the cabelas and bps box store combos.

Al ... if you are still selling Avon ... can you cut me a deal? The old lady has got a list.

Shallower

Totally agree .... Yellow Magics are good .... IMHO I'd rate them right up there with Lobina Ricos.

Awesome Chief ... right on!!!! Sounds like a great trip.

My guess is 19 1/2".

My sentiments exactly. I've caught a ton of them on an olive crackleback. Don't need much else ... maybe a few terrestrials.

That's some funny stuff right there.

Right on!!!! Olive has always been great down there. Besides the nymphs you should try the olive mohair leech or an olive wolly bugger next time down. Great report. Thanks for sharing.

SB .... calm down. It's all just some funnin' between Eric and I. He's my buddy. Thanks for your opinion on Manhattan though .... I appreciate it .... your opinion is really important to me . Thanks for the attack. The "protecting my backside in a St. Louis County jail" comment is a classic. I hope I get to see ya on the river (within a 2 hour drive of St. Louis).

Just another day at the park ... I guess.

I'm evaluating one of Troy's Spider Wire leaders right now on my 7 weight warm water rig. So far, so good.