zonker

Well done sir!

Sweet vid Brian, enjoyed it!

That's one sweet spot to camp, RE: Gavin's pic. If that one's taken, there's a smaller bar between Little Hurricane and Turners on the right side that's a good one too. Pic attached.

Mic, Here's the link for the WM's: http://www.bigskyinflatables.com/ I own a couple of the Kodiak's and I love em. All pieces pack into a large drybag/ backpack so they're versatile and easy to get up and go. I mainly use mine to get from riffle to riffle, but I do throw streamers when floating. My buddy Mark has a couple as well and he almost exclusively fishes within the WM. They're stable (not gonna tip) and the low profile is sweet.

Crapola! Those stocker browns are gonna need to get wild in a hurry.....

OK, TC- Yeah, the GoPro Hero is the one I've had my eye on. I've watched a few of Brian's vids and the image quality is certainly impressive. Might just be that time to bite the bullet. Appreciate the advise. Out.

First trip at the end of Feb. was about the streamer bite & nymphing black stoneflies for the browns. A buddy of mine, Mark, and I caught several nice brownies + a load of those stockers and reg. sized bows using a variety of streamers (slumps + meatwhistles the best) & nymhing stoneflies HEAVY and DEEP from Sunburst downstream. Water levels were ideal for wading + a couple of overcast skies made for a great trip. Went back w/ Dad earlier this week and the river was up and rising. Fished Kelly to Sunburst Monday @ 800+ cfs and continued to rise throughout the day. Thought for sure the streamer bite would be on fire....no dice. Bluebird skies might have had something to do with that....who knows. Anyway, switched over to the heavy nymph rigs fished DEEP and started picking up reg. sized bows consistantly the remainder of the day. Black rubber legs, eggs, flashback PT's, & caddis larvae all produced. Dad stuck this fat & happy 18" bow near Blair to wrap up the day. Floated Tues. from S'burst to James, water level over 1200 & wading tough....so we stuck with fishing from the rafts most of the time & some really nice bows came to play! Rubber legs were by far the fly of choice, fished HEAVIER and DEEPER in the seams and pocket water. Landed several 16+" that day, largest @ 19". Threw streamers intermittently throughout the day with only a few soft takes. 90% of fish landed were bows, the remaining stocker brownies. Always a special trip when given the opportunity to fish with Dad. One last thing: Drowned my Flip HD video camera and would love some input regarding a good, compact, HD video, preferably waterproof. Any advise is much appreciated. Out.

helluva fish! nicely done.

Nice pics and report Brian. Need to get back down there soon to chase 'em both.

Good morning all, First, let me tell you that I'm a Project Manager, LEED accredited professional, and registered Architect looking for full-time employment in the Columbia/ Jefferson City area. I've spent several years directing traffic on various construction sites for projects of all shapes and sizes as a Project Manager and design team representative/ coordinator. My goal is to focus on my skill sets developed while doing so in project management, project coordination, as a design manager, or as an owner's representative. I do appreicate assistance that any of you can provide....these days, you need all the help you can get to locate the right employment opportunity. I can shoot you my resume and references immediately and please feel free to email me with any questions. Take care. Kevin (zonker)

nicely done matt & craig! some seriously sweet brownies stuck/ released.

Own a couple of the Kodiak models....they've been great to me. The older is pushing 10 yrs. old and neither has needed repair to this point. Extremely well made. Many pros, including portability, durability, stability with a wide footprint and low profile, can haul alot of junk, and able to stand and cast whenever needed while the raft stays put. The only con that I can think of at the moment is the drag while rowing through long stretches of flat water....certainly won't cut through the water like a boat or canoe. Have used the WM on the 11pt, NFOW, Current, Niagua, Gasconade, & White River in the Ozarks. Roaring Fork & Arkansas in the Rockies. Would say it performed very well on all, except perhaps on the White. A larger craft works better on the really big water. A couple of pics attached of it handling some white water on the Arkansas.

TroutRinger, Those dry bags are what my Water Master rafts break down into, however, one can also be purchased without the raft. Here's the link: http://shop.bigskyinflatables.com/product.sc?productId=19&categoryId=4

A couple of wonderful days on the 11pt Thursday and Friday. Weather was perfect and the fish were certainly cooperating. Those bows are looking healthy, coloring up nicely, and have been eating well for quite some time. Brought to hand several nice ones, including two at 18+". A couple of pics attached. Can't wait to get back. Thanks again Brian for the shuttle. Go Cards! Out.

a sink tip definatly helps....gets that streamer in the feeding column quicker and keeps it there. most of the time those fish will hammer it on the swing through the current. let it make the ENTIRE swing, then let it hang for a second or two....can't tell you how many fish have crushed that streamer while it's just 'sitting' there. double streamer rigs work well for the smaller streamers and is my prefered way to fish them, especially when swinging through the current. like to keep another rod available with a single large streamer and heavier sink line for those deeper areas where that toad should be hanging out. an erratic retrieve while stripping it is preferred. a ton of fun catching them this way. good luck.