Trout Stalker

Larry's is a very nice place. Larry. Kay, and their son Kelly Peace are some of the nicest people I know.

Email Weavers and ask about the snow. For lodging this time of year near Bennett, there is only 3 places I know of. Larry's Cedar Resort, Sand Springs Resort, and the State Parks.

I perfer dry flies over any other fly, but I still have to nymph so I can catch fish when dries are not happening.

I sent my rod into Winston and had it back in 2 weeks. Also, if you watch the big auction (Ebay) there are a few brand new Winston WT's on there that a flyshop is selling at 30% off. Usually the reason they sell them that cheap is either discountinued or the shop is no longer a dealer and they are allowed to sell them at a discount. They still have the factory warranty.

I enjoy The Smoky Mountain National Park. Not too bad of a drive. Alot of the streams are road side and hardly ever see people on the same stream. The TN or NC state fishing permit will work for either state as long that you stay in the park. North Carolina is cheaper for out of state residence and both TN & NC can be purchased online. If you stay in Townsend, TN they have a great flyshop called Little River Outfitters. Little River Outfitters also have a website.

In the past I used a loop to loop connection, which IMO is fast for changing leaders. Now I use a nail knot for the simple fact that I don't like to carry a bunch of stuff for repairs, such as needle, glue, and etc. Just tie on a new leader and go. Just my thought.

OzarkFishman, If Bass Pro is closer too you than Cabelas, then go there and try on the waders. I have just had great luck with Cabelas. Swivel or NO Swivel is the question. When I use too spin fish (fly fish now) for trout, I didn't use a swivel. IMO, for jigs I wouldn't and for Rapalas I would. The rest of your questions, I can't you. But I feel your pain about Branson. TS

Suspenders would even keep the wife from going with me.

IMO, If I was buying just one rod for salt, it would either be a 7wt or 8wt. I would lean towards the 8wt. Also, I would look into a reel with a good drag and holds plenty on backing. Get a Bonefish on and hang on.

I use cheap sweat pants from Walmart and add either long underwear or a second pair of sweat pants that are one size larger. I do have fleece pants, but don't care for them.

I agree. I use the Cabelas Dry Plus waders very hard over the last 3 years and have not had a problem. I also know of someone that had a leak and they were replaced for free.

I'm not fishing. I am saving my vacation for my yearly Smoky Mountain trip and later on a trip too Michigan.

I have switched from vest, to waist, to chest pack, and to just a lanyard many times. Big problem for me is the waist back doesn't fit right for me. My upper body is bigger than my waist. Then the waist pack falls down and I walk like a duck. The vest is hot in the summer and in the way in the winter with a heavy jacket on. A chest pack is in my way, because of my fat gut and I can't see my feet while wading. A lanyard is great as long as you have a pocket to put your fly box and tippet in. In a nut shell, I still switch back and forth depending on where I am fishing and how far I am away from the truck. When I take my yearly trip to the Smoky's, I either use a lanyard since alot of streams are rod side. When we hike into the back country for the day I use my Fishpond Shooting Star for my lunch, jacket, and etc. Once we arrive to the stream I then remove the backpack and just use the chest pack (which is a Windwalker chest pack) as a sling bag. I am far from rich, but I believe in Fishpond and there quality. BTW, I go back to a vest when I want to be traditional.

That's what I was thinking.

I am planning a trip down this weekend and wanted to know if anybody has a report on Bennett Springs after the rain. I emailed Brenda at Weavers and she said, that Jerry said, the water was still clear but still up alittle. I have looked at the gage house readings, but wanted to hear from someone else. Thanks in advance. TS

Thanks for the info. My son has a old bamboo rod that is in need of refurbishment.

This book has helped me several times with phone numbers to locations.

Dry flies are number 1 choice, then go to emergers and nymphs as 2nd choice for trout. I always use a #12 or #14 Elk Hair Caddis as an indicator when nymphing.

Merry Christmas to everybody.

I would say that majority of the people don't care or even think about it until it hits. People don't worry about things until it hits close to home. You know what I mean. All I can say is a country boy can survive.

I would think that they would take a look at gas prices and decide what they would should do at that time. The price of fuel is what killed me.

I had to quit hunting, because of no where to go. Land owners that I had rights on sold their land or lease it out. Conservation areas to crowded or don't allow firearms for deer. Just consider yourself lucky that you have a place to hunt and enjoy it. I would give a $100.00 or a days worth of work for a place to deer hunt close to home, plus pay for my tags, shells, & processing of the meat.

Unconditional Lifetime Warranty is the way to go.

I see that you wear the pants and pretty sharp. Congrats.

I would like to see some size limits on the river in some areas.