Paola Cat

My observations are very similar to those of some of the other guys. Specifically regarding the Niangua: 1. the sucker population is way down (I see only an infrequent red horse and only a few hog suckers) 2. 12"+ SMB numbers are down 3. sizable brown trout are non-existent 4. I catch and see more damaged game-fish than I ever have in the last 30 years 5. I see more "floaters" and carcasses in the holes than I ever have. 6. I float through and wade through long stretches of water devoid of any fish. In the past, these stretches held sizable populations of suckers. Something has changed on this river. Draw your own conclusion. I've drawn mine. PC

They will be missed for sure. Great folks.

1. Spend more hours fishing for whites/hybrids with the flyrod 2. Keep the freezer stocked with crappie and white bass fillets 3. Bring to hand with the flyrod/photograph/measure/release at least (1) 23" trout and at least (1) 17" smallmouth 4. Teach a kid to flyfish PC

Sounds like some good action. In which Zone did you have your best action? Did you catch any browns? Did you see any lunkers? Thanks PC

SIO3 is right on!!!! I also have used an 8 weight with clousers right off the resort beach .... early morning and in the evening. Gotta get out early before the jet skis and parasails, and touristas hit the beach. I caught a few snook and a few jacks. Nothing huge. Never hired a guide in Cancun. PC

I own both Citicas and Curados (in quantity). Several years ago I had each of my Citicas converted to Curado specs. I would go with the Curado if given the choice. PC

It's 9:30 PM ..... in the middle of a full blown blizzard here in Paola. PC

Post your pics. on joesoldlures.com ..... and ask. It's a good site for stuff like that. PC

OTF .... Wow .... a 20" smallie that's awesome. Must have been real touch-n-go on 7X. That fish would have to be pushing 5 lbs. I've been fly fishing Ozark streams for 30+ years and have yet to hang one that big. Good for you!!!! I'll trade you some information re: your Adirondack trip (that's some of my old stomping grounds) .... for information on where I can get into some of that giant smallie action. PC

I recently acquired a couple of used (but in good condition) Shimano Baitrunner 150 spinning reels. They were apparently manufactured in the late 1980s. I've done some web searches and can find no information on this model .... not even on the Shimano website. They've been obsolete for quite some time and I think with the lack of information out there that they might be quite collectible. Anybody got any information on these? Such as an original list price? Just wondering. Thanks PC

Decided to head to the river today to capitalize on the nice weather. A bunch of other guys had the same idea. It was frigid early but warmed up nicely. Fished for about 4.5 hours ..... it was a struggle .... only brought a dozen or so to hand. Had to work really hard for any action. Saw at least a half a dozen other guys on the river. PC

I'm with ya Wayne .... i used to see big shoals of Redhorse 20 years ago .... you just don't see very many anymore. I'm for Redhorse protection. I think giggin' has a bigger impact that we know. I wouldn't surprise me if it negatively impacts most of our stream fish populations. PC

Exactly .... it's never been used .... LOL. PC

FFM .... LOL. Yep .... that bag is pretty much a goner. I don't use it unless I'm taking pictures. I'd like to try out one of those ghost bags. I've got a lippa for anything big. PC

XP ..... probably not me at that time .... I was downstream past the island and heading back to the truck. When I got back to the truck there was a guy using a spey rod at the canoe launch .... you probably saw him. Did you see a maroon truck parked right at the entrance to the park .... just at the end of the 64 bridge. I was there just a little past 1:00. How was the action at Barclay? Sounds like there was enough to keep it interesting. PC

Troy .... Good Guess!!! PC

Spent the morning and part of the afternoon fishing the Niangua today. Fishing was good .... tons of action. Only saw one other guy. Weather was great. The river is in great shape. PC

A pack of Winstons. PC

Amen brother. PC

Very nice .... those are some piggies. PC

On the really small streams ... it's the best way to go (my opinion). No long casts ..... just flips into the likely looking spots. No need for the strike indicator. Not really sure how detrimental the strike indicator really is .... if you keep it small like a palsa .... you'd probably be OK. PC

I use a small strike indicator or I use the high stick nymphing technique. I took this off another website re: high stick nymphing: "Once you've found the section of river you are going to tackle, position yourself downstream of the drift your are attempting. Strip out just enough line to cover the water you are drifting, and gently flip your nymph upstream. As the fly lands and sinks, gently lift your rod tip to remove any slack between yourself and the fly, taking care to keep your fly line out of and off of the water. Now, move your rod tip downstream at the same speed that your nymph and the current are travelling. As the nymph drifts downstream, it will bounce along the rocks and other debris that sit below the water surface. If you see a slight pause or anything abnormal happening with the line, give a gentle snap with your rod to set the hook." That's how I do it. PC

Huber's Lone Pine Lodge - Dryden, Ontario. Located on Lake Dinorwic and Wabigoon. Great fishing: Smallies, Walleyes, Yellow Perch, Pike, Musky. Great accommodations and fabulous food. Drive right to it. I've been there and had a great time. PC

arkinok .... PM Sent

UPDATE Item #1 Orvis Battenkill Reel/Spool: SOLD Item #2: Micro/Mini Jigs/Box ..... Still available. PC