joeD

The big browns are waiting for a big guy to throw big lures so they can eat a substantial meal of plastic and treble hooks. This will hopefully occur in January or February, if, and I mean IF, we get some rain to increase the flow and level. Meantime, I surely do appreciate your little trout pictures. They sure are pretty.

Revenge against what? Revenge is an angry word and implies long suffering feelings against someone or something. Tourists apparently. Encroaching on his " I live here! " sensibility. He wants attention and accolades living in the "Ozarks," yet, is contemptuous of those who examine his life or work that he posts on line, for everyone to see. So, he uses fresh ingredients and cooks meals. Who doesn't?

South Carolina isn't that good. I wouldn't read too much into Lock's win.

Yes, you are correct Mister MOSmallies. By covering my face, I save everyone anguish, because I am f****** handsome, and would, no doubt, make all you swinging d**** jealous. However, I do indeed wish I caught a 50 lb grouper to cover my extended paunch. OOOfff! Fatso! Nice little trip fellas. We were going to go from Mammoth to Merrill, but, Merrill Horse was closed because of construction. What?! Are you kidding me? Gravel wasn't good enough? So, we trucked back to Mammoth, dropped my van, went to Washington State Park. Weather was cloudy and 50 degrees. It was cold. I had layers believe it or not. Anyway, the water temp wasn't that cold (we knew from fishing Wednesday from 21 to the park), and cloud cover was key. Caught fish steadily until the sun came out. Like a light switch, fishing turned off. We concentrated on shade and wood. With success. Also, and it must be said, the water color was perfect for the Big. Not a brownish muddy junkhole. Anyway. There it is.

Umami. The heretofore undiscovered "taste" that our tongue "tastebuds" couldn't identify. It took a nation of millions to hold back this breakthrough palate changing discovery. How bereft of culinary pleasure we citizens have been lacking until the identification of the groundbreaking discoveries of soy sauce and mushrooms and anchovy paste and other gustatory delights hidden for eons from the general public. Known only to our Asian kin, their ancient food know how was a complete mystery, until television unearthed "Ancient Chinese Secret" (Calgon detergent BTW). Umami. A word that food know nothings toss around like Hawaiian Lava salt. Umami. Good grief.

Parker is no different, it's still the upper Current. Hope for rain. A lot of rain. Otherwise, good luck. Low, clear, sunny, busy...should be perfect for not catching fish. Plus, as a bonus, the browns might be trying to spawn, running away in pairs at the first hint of a boot. Have fun!

There are charcoal briquettes, from all over the country, weeping, seeing their brethren used to heat a wok. Although shamed, they are resolute in their steadfast barbecuing service.

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What does catching fish in Oklahoma have to do with Crooked Creek in Arkansas?

Birds Nest is just a stone's throw away from Wilderness Lodge. Plenty of accesses and outfitters around to fish the Meramec. Will be somewhat low, but no big deal. Cannot vouch for Birds Nest cabins. Meramec Lodge has rooms, Huzzah Valley about half hour away has cabins, Garrisons 5 miles downstream from Birds Nest has cabins. Fishing could be iffy this/that time of year. Magnolia Hollow? Good grief. Surprised some earnest bluegrass band hasn't warbled about it. Blood Sweat and Tears? Now I've heard everything. What is wrong with people? PS: It gets chilly at night, so don't forget your warm, comfy socks and herbal chai.

The only problem is our expectations. We lost too many impact defensive and offensive players. Mauk is not good enough to rise above these losses. His success was a product of those players who are now gone. It's a talent issue, teamwise, plain and simple. We just don't have enough, especially at key positions. Get ready for a mediocre season.

October can be, is, a very tough time to catch fish on CC. Regardless where you go. No spot is better than any other. If the weather stays the same, the water will be relatively low, and very clear. Still, beats the alternative. Go fish and find out for yourself.

If she is there, I'll go.

You are better off floating the Meramec and then going to St Louis to see better music. Seeing Poco in a house is akin to hitting your head with a hammer to pass time. But, who am I to say? I'm sure the mature mellow vibe could be quite enticing. A smile and gray hair is your passport.

Dale H: 30 to 80 Bosnians huh? At Meramec Springs? Wow. Some banned for life! Incredible! Barbecuing fish no less! More than in years past. Gee whiz. Well, thanks for the info Dale! If you can, do me (and us anglers) a favor, and let us know when the population of Bosnian fishermen get below, I don't know, 10 or so, something tolerable, so we can fish in relative peace. Thanks.

If a team knows you can't run the ball, how would a freshman quarterback improve your chances? Without standout receivers to boot? Also, as an aside, arguably the two most storied college football programs, Ohio State and Alabama, have quarterback issues. Sign of the times. Still another addendum. Make no mistake, Mauk's success is due to his defense. Many who are now in the NFL.

Ok, we get it. You eat possum and other critters. Big deal. You're tough. I can introduce you to some people who escaped concentration camps, where their families were slaughtered before their eyes. They are tough too. Regardless, my opinion remains the same: Smallmouth fishing in the Missouri Ozark streams suffers because of the action of selfish locals and a timid government.

Yes, I am quoting myself. Still true though. I went to that excuse of game Saturday. Mizzou is in trouble. Coach Pinkel can't create playmakers. Though I did see Michael Sam walking up the sidewalk next to our "tent." He made plays.

How about we ask the fish? After all, they're the ones eating treble hooks and plastic. Correlation is not causation. The assumption that our lure selection and presentation is the difference is false. Whoops! Never mind. This just in! Yes, it is our skill and lure selection that makes a difference. Uber anglers will always overcome difficulties! FISH ONNNN!!

https://youtu.be/TBb9O-aW4zI

I take pride in my work.

I joined the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance in 1996. Loved it. Still kinda do. Almost 20 years later, nothing, really, has changed, Except MDC personnel. And their various "studies" Which conclude nothing. I don't care anymore. I'll go fishing someplace. Or I won't.

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