joeD

There are only two facts when it comes to fishing success, regardless of season, body of water, or any other parameters. 1, Whenever and wherever you go fishing, you have a chance to catch fish. 2. If you don't go fishing, you won't catch fish. Everything else is background noise.

It's fun. The MDC is doing the right thing.

I'm in agreement with Dave Murray: He really put himself out there with a bold prediction. Winter IS coming, like it or not! That's the kind of hard hitting journalism and weather forecasting I demand. I'm sticking with Dave, that crayon munching, underwear sniffing m***********!

Let's sing along with the bouncing ball... 1. Post title is "Sign of the Times" 2. Pictures of weapons on a company mailing advertisement not normally associated with "outdoor" pursuits from a world class outfitter is shown prominently. 3. Poster posits that said outfitter knows its customers. 4. Subsequent response from most others on forum, is, at once, hostile, sarcastic, offended,passionate, and, beyond scope and intent of post. 5. This is quite natural when guns, weapons, rifles, home defense, the Constitution, women, dogs, sports, music and potential male partners are the subject. 6. Regardless, look at an advertising mailer from Cabela's from 2004. 10 years ago. 7. Things change. Sign of the times. BTW: In Japan, it's called "tentacle porn."

Pick a river close to you, since, as you say, you'll be "...squeezing some time out..." The longer you drive, the less time on the water. Beauty is in the eye of he beholder, and, in my opinion, any choice you make should be good. Focus on having a pleasant experience for all instead of trying to hit a home run with the "most scenic float ever!!" Simple. Less. Fun. Relax. Enjoy. Scenery is nice. But if you start worrying about every little detail, and "getting things perfect," then you'll be disappointed if something goes wrong. All Al's suggestions are great. So are other options. Make them fit what you want to do.

I dont no that guy

As I said- A sign of the times. Most of you missed the point and went completely in a direction that had nothing to do with my original post. Now you know why people hate each other.

Probably. But I have never been accused of thinking.

OH, that's right! People kill people. Good grief jdmidwest. This isn't about gun laws or control or rights or anything else political or ethical or moral. I suggest you re examine the title of my post. It's a sign of the times. Period. Nothing implied nor intended, But, to answer your beaten dead horse question, the rifle is assaulting nothing or no one. It's there for decoration and target practice I'm quite sure and to make money for Cabela's.

Mail came today with usual stuff, including Cabela's mailer. Usually I toss, but kept for absent minded browsing. Fall Sale! Excellent! Nothing really for me, as I assumed it would be hunting stuff and the like: deer and duck and turkey rifles, ammo, gear. The usual fall accoutrement. So, turning the first leaf to pages 2 and 3, I (we) are greeted with assault rifles on page 2 and pistols on page 3. Hmm. Not exactly hunting wildlife are we? God bless Cabela's, they know their customers.

I guess that makes sense fellas. Even though that particular stretch of the Meramec sucks in general for trout, and really sucks specifically, it is a proverbial and metaphorical hole in the ground that one can stick a dick in and get off. A hole is a hole right? You don't need trout stamps for that.

Hey, what about me! I took the picture. I paddled him everywhere at his behest. I DROVE him there. He made me drink Buffalo Trace bourbon on he river. Geez. I practically had to dress him. (No I didn't. He had waders on the milquetoast , I of course, was wearing shorts). Gawd, The very idea,,

If the MDC stocks my bathtub every year with trout, then, every year I can say that my bathtub is a trout fishery. But don't fish in my bathtub after I eat BBQ brisket for three days straight. That is NOT a brownie hitting on top.

good luck budman! maybe you'll be different from all those other seldom posters who have grand plans of epic multi day floats, only to, um, let' see, NOT do it! not you though.

Why is it so important to catch trout in the Meramec?

Really? Most people do.

I like that jacket he's wearing. Does it come in a Mens?

Name one generation, one decade, one century, where the "elders" did not complain and kvetch and scold the behaviors of the young, especially when it comes to "respect" and "proper appreciation" of those who "sacrificed" and "made things possible" for us (you) (those) (them) to succeed. Please. The decline of (insert anything) is, as usual, incorrect. We're still here, aren't we? Besides, I'm calling BS on Jerry's original post. I don't think it happened. (If those kids in rural Mo were so self absorbed, how did they notice a half mast flag?).

I want an access. Good grief, do you think it'll turn into Huzzah Valley?

I guess I won't be going to Huzzah Valley anymore. Why bother? "Hello, my name is Tom Brady. I am an elite NFL quarterback with multiple Super Bowl Rings. My wife is a famous model. Her name is Giselle. This is Giselle. You would not believe what we do in bed. But, nevermind. Just wanted you to know. Good luck in fantasy football guys!"

Ok, lemme get this straight. I have a chance to get laid with some young strange that weekend? God Bless America ! You fishermen wring your hands and stay outta my way!

Matt Carpenter, shouldn't you be with your team, instead of fishing?

Thing is,no one cares. Fishing ain't what it used to be? Boo hoo. How do we feed our kids? Educate them? Care for the elderly and poor? Maintain our roads? We are just another mewling, bleating, baby in a nest of other open mouthed hungry, needy babies waiting for momma (govt) to feed us and give us what we want.

18 miles is two long days. Especially if it is just a check mark on a "to do" list of places to float.

Unfortunately Nightbrew, and everyone else who responded, it doesn't matter. Your premise is misguided and, by default, incorrect. You cannot make your friends get "addicted" to smallie fishing by taking them on a "successful" stream trip, where numbers of fish caught are somehow guaranteed to make them want to fish. Just go floating and fishing with them, where, is immaterial, and have fun. It's not your job to make them love something, regardless of your passion.