laker67

@fishinwrench I'm with you on budget rods/reels that do the trick. I don't begrudge people who want bragging rights. But please don't try to convince me they catch more/bigger fish I worked for a sporting goods jobber. No wonder why we were always broke The composite rods cost me 19.95, and the early graphites cost me 39.95. They closed out Heddon 310 reels and I bought all they had for $5 each--gave most of them to friends. It was a great little reel that served us well back in the day. Rick's Sage was the only expensive piece of equipment he ever owned in 50 years of fishing.

First day with the 10'er. Caught mostly trees. But it wasn't a total bust. Question--Can someone tell me why there is such a wide range of colors on the browns? I mean I know food has something to do with it. How many strains do we have in Taney now? My big brown was really dark and the spots were obscured. The one I caught today had a bright orange belly. Sorry, but the photos wouldn't upload for some reason.

@BilletHead I may just do that. I'm trying out a 10' rod tomorrow. But my heart belongs to the short sticks. Btw, Rick's original lunker rod was a graphite/composite import (Lake King) that he literally fished until the fibers came unbound on it. I still have that rod.

Somewhere I have a 6'3" Berkley that was my first fly rod, and always a favorite. To survive me, among other qualities, it would have to be quite durable. Eventually Rick convinced me to start using one of his graphite collection, and I put the parametric away and quite honestly forgot about it. Thanks for sharing this info. Sandy

@trythisonemv I had those comments coming, Alex. I know better than to go to shore for a photo op. The difference between him and I is that if I had seen someone accidentally let a fish fall, I would have compassion and keep my comments to myself. I watched a young boy drop a very nice fish last year--several times, on the rocks. While I cringed each time it happened, the boy's father was so proud and insisted on that photo, later turning the fish loose. There is plenty of time for lessons. Perhaps if we show good sportsmanship, it will rub off on the next generation. When we observe someone who doesn't know better or shows poor judgement, we just need to show temperance in our reproach. I also let a couple fish flop off with my fly. My boga was broke, and I hate netting them if I don't have to. Even those of us who had excellent teachers make mistakes

Rick must have been my good luck charm. Caught several of these, but the only big ones were got-aways. Sandy

fishnwrench - under certain circumstances and conditions, even verbal agreements can be litigated. Let me write you a check for motor repair, note on the check that it is for repair of said motor that is in your position, i have proof of ownership, you have cashed my check, and see if I don't win in court if that sucker isn't fixed.

fishnwrench if he violated company policy, he can go down for it. It doesn't matter how much time has gone by or who overlooked it.

@fishinwrench If that's all you gleaned from the Bible, you might want to try cover to cover. It's an amazing love story with a great ending ❤️

Hey all-- It is with great sadness that I bring this news. Doug Piper's wife of 45 years passed away peacefully in bed last night. While I didn't know Bonnie well, we had met and spoken on several occasion. She was a super nice lady, hard worker, and a wonderful wife, mom, and grandma. Please remember @fshndoug and his family in your prayers.

https://www.facebook.com/1346757987/videos/785623376578831/ Alex and I caught a few today in the hours I was there. Mostly little ones, though we did fish for one nice rainbow about 6.

Good eye, @Foghorn. That would be him!

Hey all--this is from June 1964. Sandy

@fishndave Don't want to sound cliche, but it ain't the rod that makes the man. One of the best fly fishermen on the creek was geared up head to toe, rod and reel included, for under $300.

My reply was gonna be "you need to aim a little behind the head because they recoil at the sound of the trigger". But then, how would I know?

@fishinwrench We all have that one flaw

Welcome! Thank you for your service!

I would like to add that so many fisherman of the other sites spend too much time on "hey watch me, I'm the greatest (angler/tyer) on the creek and I catch way bigger fish than the rest of ya'll because I'm that good, and have you seen my gear? well it's the highest price on the market , yada yada" One of the things that Rick (Laker67) so admired about this site is the honest humility, good humor, and comraderie. And if sportsmanship was overlooked, he'd be the first to chime in God I miss him!

I can attest to the fact that these guys are the finest sportsmen around. I couldn't have survived this past year without them.

Some of us will be fishing with you! Welcome to my favorite place on the planet!

@trythisonemv 9 more days! I can't wait to get my feet wet

Sending prayers!

Good strategy! I feed during the coldest part of winter, but have to quit after the last snow. The hosta growing neighbors would probably egg my house

@Ketchup Nice looking garden. I'm glad you put the gate on it. Maybe some of the deer will die laughing before they get a chance to have a buffet But seriously, nice job.