Trav

I am kind of known for hair-brained innovations but I have it figured out. How about a scale that links via satelite to a computerized "live-feed" leader board. Fish can be set free right away. Always pair competiting fisherman together to keep them honost with the system. It can be done!

Dont keep them at all. There is your better way. I release right after the catch. I never put a fish in a livewell.

I agree with Al.

Welcome!

How about those squash!

If you think the bats are a problem here, try fishing the jungles of Panama! I have your answer though. We always put up a flag about 2 feet above our heads. Something about that seems to do the trick. We had even put rags on the end of a fishing rod we werent using. Although, if the wind isnt blowing a little to give them some movement it can be pointless but no matter what, having something at a higher elevation than yourself will focus them on it, other than you. Try it. You will see results. Even if it isnt 100% effective. Its kind of like deet. It will repel but there is always those pests that will see through the evergreen scent. Haha

Welcome!

All we need is some video/audio! Haha

I do the same as Leanord, but I tie my line the the bumper of my truck and walk up the driveway.

I fished the Snake River back in the late 80s. I have never caught more bows over 3 pounds in my life yet!

Top water explosions are by far the best, but you cant beat the "runaway" bite. Nothing says confidence more when a fish just grabs it and runs!

Here you go! http://www.fishingclub.com/ExtraContent/Ex....aspx?id=132344

State Law requires that a boat has running lights on after dark if not anchored ,moored, or tied up.

I dont think Lake Springfield has a topo available. Been trying to get them to make one of Taney for years. Just too expensive.

I prefer palomar knots myself. Can get difficult with tiny baits.

I just got all the logs out from behind my dock wednesday night. And this week will have to start all over again. You would think with the millions of tons of crap that I have pushed so far that there wouldnt be much left to come down? Ho Hum. Such is life. Im tired of seeing the brown water myself. I think I am ready for a couple drought years! Haha

There is no law saying you have to be wearing a jacket while on plane. Only for children under 13. I feel your pain! I dont fish out of a big rig like yours and some days I just have to give it up and surrender to the madness. It can be very frustrating.

Denjac, Your right, it should be the courteous thing to allow people to take shelter on your dock but times have changed. You cant trust anyone these days. Get on my dock and my dog will bite! I suggest you go over to Rockaway side of the river for shelter. much more accessible anyway. No offense but private property is private property and the owner has the right to refuse.

Check this site out Ryan. http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php

Kev, Dont let all this discourage you. If You lock things up and take care, dock ownership is a sinch. Just be vigalent and make sure you have your dock included in you home insurance. Anything on your dock will be protected that way. All the little stuff is just a risk but it isnt nothing to be too paranoid about. It dont hurt to have a well trained dog and maybe some motion lights. My dog is savage! And she has no problem with barking at anything! Hey Bill! When do I get included with you, Phil, and Dano as the brotherhood? Haha, I share almost everything as well! When people talk about Lower Taney they always mention my name. I am the only OAF member that has more than 2 stars that isnt a contributor, admin, or a moderator. I am ranked 4th with posts, 2nd with profile views, and lets not forget that I have only been a member for less than 9 months! To say I am not a brother is like saying I am not a white guy! Haha To all the white guys that are members, dont be offended. I cant tell the difference between you all! Haha You all look alike to me! I cant even tell who I am in the mirror!

As a guy that lives on the lake, Fishes upwards of 2000 hours a year, I would have to say that a good day fishing is being able to say you didnt skunk out. I have gone as far as jigging for bluegills after hours of catching nothing just to be able to say I caught something. And I never skunk out! Haha A great day consists of more than two fish worthy of a picture. A super day is when you have them all figured out and you catch them like one every 10 minutes! Size does matter to me. No matter what Playboy says.... Of course I am a Trophy hunter.

I dont try to compare as much as I try to utilize. If I am correct you are referring to the Diawa. In my opinion there are 3 brands that are unquestionable. Diawa is number two in my rankings. Only Penn can say they have the longest lifespan, so to speak. Of course my rankings are based on durance. Penn is by far the best because they are designed to be salt water sealed. Both Brands tend to be pricey but my number 3 is without a doubt, Shimano. Mainly because of thier economical feasibility. They only out edge Quantum by a margin only because the Quantum drag design has a reputation to be jerky. Or at least my Bill Dance signature does. But for some reason if you get the KVD versions of Quantum they are the best of thier market. Now my brother has a preferance for Pfluegers. The are mid priced and do have a long lifespan as well. I consider them in the same caliber as Mitchell, Browning and/or Abu-Garcia. I cant really speak for BPS brands for I tend to shy away from them. I have a tendacy to think that chain store market brands are subprime. In the same manner that I think Gulp, Yum or Power baits are better than the BPS brands. Tons of our resident guides will gladly differ with this mentality so take my advice for what its worth. I will repeat what I have said in this thread already about rods. I go through them pretty fast. I am hard on my equipment. So I never go over 100 bucks on a rod. I did spend 90 dollars on my Gill rod, so I am a bit of a hypocrit. I think that the advice that Captain Joe expressed meets my own. The longer rods have the bigger butts and thats my preferance. Plus I know I am going to break them and repair them and they do tend to get shorter through out the repairs. So thier timber will morph through out the life of the rod. Serving different purposes as they age. I spend upwards of 2000 hours a year with a rod in my hand so I tend to consider them as nothing more than a tool. To be used and abused. Hope this helps some. Just dont forget that you dont have to go in the poor house to catch fish.

As usual the fireworks were great! i HAVE TO SAY THAT THE RESIDENTS SHOT OFF TONS OF FIREWORKS AS WELL! I had a great show until 2 in the morn!

I am familiar with it. Very nice reel.

Penn, Diawa, Shimano, Mitchell, Quantum, I have them all. All spincast. And I like them all pretty much equally. Although, I do have a thing for Penn. Darn good reels. I dont put too much emphasis on rod brands, (I tend to break them to often to spend alot) but I like to have an assortment. From super sensitive to stiff as a log. They all serve a purpose. I also prefer rods with long butts. Just suits my style better. And outside of my ultra lights, wich I have 6# test, I put 10# on everything. And I am old school mono. I like the stretch and you usually can save your lures in snag situations if you have a little give. With lures going at 10 bucks a pop, I will go to extreme measures to save them. For the average person, I would say just use what your comfortable with. Just use what you like. Your confidence is usually higher if your using a rod that you can easily handle. After all, your supposed to be having fun! Sorry Bill, Couldnt get that in just one sentence. But I did curb the text alot! Haha