joeD

How do you want to fish Eric? What is your goal in terms of fishing success? Make sure of that first. However, the smaller you go, the less chance you have in catching a big smallie (I'm sure there is anecdotal evidence of someone hooking into a big un with a teeny fly, but that is rare). It takes commitment to throw a large fly all day long, without success much of the time. But, when that big brown bomber hits, and she/he will, you will know that your efforts flinging an indelicate mass of white junk will have been worth it. But that is me. That is how I fish now. You're probably different. Then go with that with no apologies. It's about YOU. And nobody else.

Same knife rps? Sorry its me.

Different topic. Is the gauge at Kelly correct? Is it actually and still 12xx CFS? Will it ever go down? C'mon AR, I'm counting on you.

They all work. But are you satisfied with the size you are catching? If not, then you must move up in size and weight.

So what reel did you buy C&R? Unless, of course, we have completely forgotten C&R, I think his question was beaten into submission and his request got lost in our zeal to "help."

After 7, usually closer to 8. Then again, I am not a farmer nor Amish. (Wait. Is this about dinner or when we start doing...? Never mind).

Al is right on as usual. Heed his advise. However, since Gavin saw the Big and liked the look of it, I would choose the Big for two reasons. 1. Usually, there is no one on it and 2. you have the potential to catch big smallies.

Trolling. Hmm. Seems to fit me. But... Oh. I get it. Negativity not wanted. Opposing opinion not presented in a "palatable" way is discouraged. "If you don't have anything nice to say.." "Mean people suck." Take your sarcasm elsewhere. Hmm. Points taken. Probably will be ignored. Will stop typing now as mushrooms are taking effect. PS: I was under the impression rps had me blocked. Hmm. PSS: Mind wandering, vision too. Bye.

My neck hurts. Your posted pictures are just as bad as mine are Clay. Which is hard to do. Nice fish. Good beard. OK snake.

We have the best record in baseball, without our best pitcher and hitter. Why can't we enjoy the ride? Instead of enjoying the success of our team, we are kvetching and wringing our hands about the future. I think we'll be OK.

Joe is available. Not up for grabs but open for offers PS: Chief: A statement is either "comedic" or "ironic." By definition, it cannot be both. You may use "irony" as a means to convey humor in an otherwise plain statement. Or you may use "humor" in a sentence to get your point across. I think Cliff Notes is quite clear on this subject. Regardless, please continue. As ever, Joe

You foodies and your food. I remember when people grew food, bought food, cooked food, ate food, then ran from the table to get out of doing dishes. I just enjoy poking a stick at foodies. So serious and dogmatic

Amen to that. But not "soon." NOW. Take Kerr!

Hummus is refried beans from a culture that hates women. It is tasteless slop that Americans are guilted into liking because it is from a foreign society. So much good food in the world and we have to endure this pureed bullsh** that earnest foodies inflict on a polite public. Hummus sucks and everyone knows it. That's why misguided "gourmet" cook's always take home uneaten bowls of their bean dip from every party they attend. I know, we don't get it. Your hummus is different and it's our loss we don't like lemon flavored cardboard.

Mitch: The quality of the meat and the quality of the fire is more important than the seasoning. Super hot fire is best, couple minutes per side, then put them on a plate or platter and put butter on each steak Stop stressing over sea salt or pink salt or pre salting or post salting. Let "gourmet" foodies argue about that. Cook with love for people you love, That's all. PS: How does one become a "gourmet" cook? The James Beard Foundation? The Culinary Institute of America? Martha Stewart? Michelin? Galloping gourmet?

You make them smartie pants.

You are correct Al. If you are reffing an Indiana high school game in 1955.

Presidents perform like a $60 reel. Your expectations should match. You get what you pay for. You don't get Mercedes Benz performance by buying a Chevy Cobalt.

1. Ore ida spuds? 2. Corn bread croutons? 3. Home made corn bread croutons? 4. Herbed bread croutons? 5. Potato croutons? 6. Potato croutons from a city vendor? 7. Croutons made from a potato grown in my back yard? 8. Croutons made from a potato grown in a city garden by an at risk youth? At risk mother? At risk mother lesbian? 9. Polenta! Yes, a polenta crouton! 10. Or, or or .. 10a Or who gives a f***

"I'm going to the Isle of Man!!" Woo Hoo! Dag gummit, I can't build in an assault rifle!? Geez. This place sucks. I could have protected everyone, if they'd only let me! I'd shoot that gloomy weather all to hell! USA! USA!

Or, it could be a math equation. Statistics. We know the Meramec and Piney and Gasconade produce big fish because people catch them. And it becomes known that big fish have been caught there through social networks (pictures, phone calls, gossip) People catch them because they go there to fish for them. So, statistically speaking, it is more likely that a big fish will caught on those three example streams, not because of habitat or growth rates (although important), but because of the number of people, the aggregate fishing hours spent on the water, increases the likelihood of a large fish being caught. However, nature does trump all. A little ozark creek will not produce a 75 pound channel cat or bottle nose dolphin or 36 inch pike . There are limits.

What kind of di**head calls travelling in a friendly huff and puff pick up basketball game? Good grief. Anything less than 4 steps is fine. Play on. That wanker probably calls fouls underneath the basket too.

Whoopsies! Forgot to thank rps on his meticulous review of a New Hampshire restaurant. Whew! That was close! ANY of us could have actually EATEN there! Luckily, rps saved us the trouble. It took 500 or so words, but, in the end, he didn't like the place. Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

I am creating my own bitters out of foraged poison ivy and creek water. It'll add a nice zing to your Old Fashioneds at your backyard celebration of your heirloom tomato harvest.