TroutRinger

I was thinking that as well but didn't want him to feel any worse. jeeze Justin

That's why I did it as well, and so far it has worked out. I just think the line is weakened so much by not giving it any room to stretch. I guess it's one of those "there's no right answer for every situation" situations.

Do you use the same strength tippet for your dropper fly as you do for the first fly? I have been using a 1X lighter tippet on the bottom fly but have had a lot of problems with break offs. What I think is happening with the lighter line on the bottom is this: - A lot of the strength with mono comes from its ability to stretch and distribute weight/force along the length of the line. By having the lighter tippet on the bottom and only 12-18 inches of it, I significantly diminish its ability to stretch without breaking since there is only 12-18 inches of line to distribute the weight. And the heavier line on the first fly isn't going to stretch with the lighter line to take off some of the burden off the bottom line. By using tippets of the same strength, if I have a fish on the bottom fly it will enable stretching (weight distribution) along both lengths of tippet. Makes sense right? While we are talking about Tippets, does anyone have any arguments against using 6x or even 5x? It was sunny and clear as can be yesterday (and the water was off), and I caught dozens of fish on 6x. There is a significant difference in strength between 6x and 7x beyond the extra 1 lb IMHO. Can't remember hardly ever losing a fish on 6x.

Ya, I can imagine it's a pretty crappy feeling especially when you think about how long that fish has been there, but it's not like it was intentional or a habitual problem. Stuff happens.

I wish I did cause I lost my last one. I thought I had bought it from River Run. You see I had 3 in one fly box and one (the one I used in used) in a box with my midges and san juans. At one point, when I started getting a bunch of hits on the brown egg I thought I would try fishing two eggs so I opened the other box and tied one of the three remaining ones on. It was not until I got the new one wet and saw it by the original that I realized they were not the same. The new one sinks and is a bit smaller. I know for a fact that I bought the three from River Run earlier this Spring so I have no clue where the other one came from. The only thing I can think of is the fly shop at Bennett Springs(?) but that is only a guess. Kinda sucks....

Oops. I left that out. Fished entirely 10-50 yards below Outlet 2 except at the end when I fished at the outlet. When I arrived, I intended on walking down a ways, but when I started catching fish immediately I ended up staying right there.

Just got back from a short trip to Taney. Started fishing around 2:00, and the action started immediately. I caught two fish on the first two cast on a pink san juan. Also caught several on red midges and scuds. Above the worm/midge/scud I had a floating brown egg I used as an indicator. I probably caught the most fish on that. Also hooked a couple browns. I landed one small one (about 12 inches) and broke of on a monster that peeled my line almost to the backing. I just couldn't do anything to stop him. All the bows were quality fish except for a few stockers. Many were in the 15" range. With the biggest probably not quite 18". Didn't count how many fish I caught, but I would guess around 25. Really everyone was catching fish so I can't feel too special.

Primitive camping and power seem contradictory. Not that I wouldn't take the power or anything .

That's how I do it. Sometimes when the water is off and the fish are particularly fickle and I can sight fish, I will even use two San Juans. Always seem to be able and catch fish when nothing else is working.

lol

Looks like a good trip. Nothing like "swimming" (more like dog paddling/not drowning) with a pack and rod in one had to get through those deep holes.

I wear light gray shirts when I stream fish. Cool in the sun and blends well with both blue skies and overcast. Note: My avatar picture is a mistake. I forgot to change before leaving, but I guess green was the best color to mistakenly wear.

awesome fish...looks like a pretty awesome trip

Looks like a good trip. Where is the Jamesville access?

I would take John up on his offer or at least meet up with him so he can help out. Either way, there is some detail in the following link about rigging. http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29794

I'm surprised you were the first to point out how long it's been. There was a gap of about 2-3 where I maybe used it one or twice total so it only has about 5 years on it.

Some places will shuttle your car for you for around $20-25

In a kayak? Did you drag much?

They only cost $7 for the whole year. If you plan on keeping any, you must. Might as well just do it and be done with it.

On second thought, you should consider this offer

I agree that Taney is a better fishery. However, sounds like your relatives don't have experience trout fishing. If you were planning on wading the trophy area, it might be tough for two beginners. Personally if I wanted to ensure your nephew catches some trout, I would take him to BSSP. Having never trout fished before, he won't care if he catches nothing but stockers. The fact that the trout are less wary there also makes it a lot better place to sight fish which is something I think they would really enjoy.

Can't remember a single time I've gut hooked a fish with a tube. I drift Bitsy tubes 99% of the time smallie fishing. I hook them in the top of the mouth pretty much every time. ...Al has has probably caught more smallies than anyone on this board and he's only gut hooked one... Ham, if you have problems gut hooking them, maybe you should watch your line a little closer, give a twitch every couple seconds to see if anything is on, or reconsider how it's rigged. Sorry you've had troubles...I think I'll stick with what works...Bitsy tube with a 1/8th oz marabou crappie jig It also might be worth considering that the reasons guides on the East coast experience gut hooking with tubes is that they are catering to inexperienced fisherman who might not set the hook fast enough. If you are from MISSOURI and an experienced smallmouth angler as many of us are, I don't think there should be any problems.

That's a new one to me. Your guess was pretty similar to my initial reaction.

That's pretty cool. If I start fishing lakes in my yak that's something I may have to look into.

That's a long day! but you did well. Thanks for sharing