FishinCricket

that's sorta my point. Even if you are wading a stream that has been legally deemed navigable and you have all the necessary documents to prove that you are on legal footing, there still ain't no immediate arguing with the "Its just you, me, those papers, and this shotgun" approach to settling the dispute. Maybe this needs to be adressed so that people like you (who utterly respect the property and river on which you tread) donthabe to go to court on tresspassing charges? I don't have a bunch of money, but I do have a voice.. Assuming that still counts for something in the court systems..

There have always been otters there, but I think they keep track of how many their are.. At least I though they did... I'll jump in and say that there's a family of otters that live just upriver from NRO (the mudbank hole) and have been there for at least 10 years that I recall, and still there's a decent amount of fish right there.. I don't think they effect the river as much as they would a pond.. Just my crappie 2 cents...

Thanks for the post, glad to get any info that I can. I would kindly remind you of one thing that I am sure you already know: There is sometimes a disparagement between the "applicable law" and the "it's just you, me, and this here shotgun"-type law, which tends to rule the immediate roost when situations like this arise. IE, that ziploc baggie full of "legal documentation" is only gonna be good for one thing when the old boy comes down and tells you to get the hell off his land.. And it ain't gonna do jack (in the immidiate) for protecting your rights, or for your health.. Just thought it worth mentioning. Doesn't mean you can't come back later with a Sheriff, I spose.. (note: I am not a land owner, but I have had enough encounters with local land owners to see that they don't give a darn about the "Applicable Law")

alright, I'll keep that in mind.. Maybe i'll make it down this fall, right now Bass fever has me pretty bad...

R 2 S U R, I C M EDBD I's toldja! Ugly fish too...

Prehistoric ugly freak...

Seems that the sentiment is that those who have spent more on the equipment have more of a right to be there, or at least the right of way.. That doesn't seem right, and expenditure doesn't replace common sense. Seems like a river like the niangua should be for one or the other (floaters or powerboats), but not both....

^^^. See what I mean, folks? You'd have to be completely bonkers to even consider swimming in Bennett... (lol)

it'll get you a ticket, but people do it on occasion. Actually, I have to call down kids for jumping off the wooden bridge and floating down into the river.. It's been like that for years though, nothing changed. Dunno who any BAREFOOT kid would ever want to jump into that FREEZING water... And we wider why kids brain cells seem to be dropping out more often these days.. lol Travis and the rest: thank you for your thoughts.. I am glad to read them.

I agree, the busy season on the niangua is no place for a big motor or jet motor. Now, Bman, when are we going fishing in your fancy jet boat? Eh? Huh?

For me if it wasn't the teeny craw (or similar swimmer) then I would have to say a 1/16th ounce Maribou Jig in black, with a red head and a white tail. Next in line would be a Brown Kastmaster with green stripes... Fantastic lure with quite a few presentation options.

Thank you Travis, for that full explanation of your thoughts. I too have walked through the park recently and thought "This could be improved". I, for one, appreciate you stating your opinion and discussing it with us. I certainly ain't mad atcha, I am actually interested in kicking these ideas around. Maybe you could copy and paste your comment above into a thread and present some possible solutions? I think I have a few thoughts and ideas I can bounce back and forth, then if they are good enough maybe we can present them to the right people? glad we can all discuss this stuff without bickering too much.

the white and furry animal? ? ?

That was a fantastic story! Very descriptive, not to mention sad as heck! But you'll always have the memory anyways..

Beautiful fish, Roger.. Thanks for sharing!

of which, I am the latter... lol.

I know exactly what you mean, kinda.. lol. I would say the same thing you have said, only about Bennett! Hehe not sure what we could do about making it longer, other than closing off zone 2 to flies only or something, but I'm not sure if the revenue change would be good. Of course, I have no stake other than that I live here and fish here. I do sincerely appreciate the input offered here, even if it seems harsh. Please know that I would carry these concerns to others if And when the need arises. Maybe I can make it down sometime to Montauk or MSP or Roaring River, see how it goes. Wanna show me round Montauk?

No worries, man.. I was being serious. If our Hatchery and park is losing business because of a downturn in something or other, I want to be able to help correct it. I suppose that would start with going to some of the other parks and seeing how things are there.. What can be done to make this park your "cup of tea"?

Fruit in the dashboard, actually.. lol

You sound quite a bit like me, and we are even the same age! I don't own a bass boat, but I am a "fish addict" with no need for an intervention as well.. You fish mainly Stockton?

This is just the cutest thread ever! (thanks for the report)

Wow, I guess I need to visit some other parks, I didn't realize it was that bad down here....

Yeah, considering it was also a World record for fly rod, I'd say your right... And man what a fish! One we can all aspire to.

I officially hate you all! (well, except laker67... Will you adopt me and my wife and teach us your ancient trout fishing wisdom? Pretty please?) amazing pics guys, having never (yet) fished TaneyCoMo I feel a bit left out.. Who wants to be te first to take me to Taney and show me the ropes? Greg? Wrench? Heck I'd even settle for that upstart Leonard. lol