Growler

My second fly rod is a glass 9' beauty my Dad made for me. He used parts from the Herters company (now gone?). He taught me how to build rods while doing it also. I don't remember what weight it is, haven't had it out of the case for many years. My reel was a Martin Automatic, man was that rig heavy! I caught my first trout out of Taneycomo with it around 20 years ago, but put it up & haven't had it out since I bought a graphite rod. Now, I think I'll give it another whirl. I've never cast one of the Eagle Claw fly rods. I have a friend with one of the spinning rods from the same family (yellow blanks). He uses it for crappie fishing. Says the light tip keeps him from tearing through their mouths on a hookset. I believe him, I don't think I have ever outfished him. My glass fly rod sure was the ticket for bluegill & bass out of farm ponds while I was growing up. Can't wait to dust it off & re-live some memories now. G

MrDucky, first of all, I want to see a pic of your living room if it's big enough to cast in. I'll have to draw the specs in the blueprints of my next house for a casting corridor. Hey, that's actually a good idea. One thing I do when teaching people how to cast, is videotape them from the side, then play back the tape so they can see their casting stroke. It really helps point out areas they need to work on. I do the same with myself every once in awhile. Keeps me from establishing bad habits. I also tie a fly using red yarn and snip off the whole barb. This way you can see it on the video. This technique is especially helpful when teaching kids who may not understand the terminology such as loading the rod, or tailing loops. Welcome to the club, good luck G

Really wish I could have made the outing. Was looking forward to putting a face to all the names. I woke up with a temperature & very sick...I didn't even party NY Eve! I also missed fishing Taney on New Years Day for the first time in around 8 years. What's my year going to be like now?

Just a quick question, is this the longest non-shuffling post to date?

Yep, picked them up at your place Michael. Don't know if that was you I bought them from or not. Got fly head cement & bought the leaders on impulse at the counter. Just like a kid at Wal-Mart, put the candy in the checkout isle. G

Just picked up something that seems pretty cool. Taper Clip leaders by Gravel Creek. I got the 9' 6x spool, and it has 5 leaders wrapped around a spool. You just unwind to the red mark, clip it and either tie a loop, or otherwise connect to your fly line. What I think sounds great, is no uncoiling leaders in the dark, in the wind or in freezing weather. I will spend 30 minutes undoing a wind tangle, but uncoiling leaders is the one thing I have no patience for. I would like to hear from anyone who has actually used these, if anyone. How do they turn over? Quality? Even if the leader itself isn't great, the idea is. From now on I'll just uncoil my favorite leader, wrap it around a tippett spool and secure it with the little elastic band. G

I'll come on down for a noon-ish get together. I have a propane camp stove with 2 burners. One for coffee (good ole Folgers, no flavored stuff here), another if someone has something to warm up. This isn't a grill though...needs to be in a skillet,pan or pot. Flysmallie, I have an old pair of waders that leak on the left side, if yours only leak on the right, you could wear both and...well, probably not such a good idea. I wore them that way for 2 years. Finally had to break down this spring, cash in my pennies & buy a new pair. G

I'll be there. I start every year this way...flyfishing at Taney. I never fish above the old boat ramp though. Too much competition for space. If any of you venture down, I'll have a pot of coffee going when I'm not fishing. G

I'm originally from the Hays, Ks area. I've always said: "Kansas is a good place to be FROM" G

I will be fishing on New Years Day, starting early. I start every year this way...have at Taneycomo for around 8 or 9 years. Best way to start the year. I usually fish from the old boat ramp down to avoid other people though. Don't like crowds while fishing. If you see someone in the parking lot with a propane stove & coffee on, it's probably me, ask for a cup. G

Hey Lost, I just read all the tips in the post, and these guys really know what they're talking about. My two cents worth of suggestion would be to spend time with someone who is experienced with fishing Taneycomo. You've made alot of friends here on this site, I'm sure if you posted when you were coming down next time, someone would probably make time to spend a day fishing & showing you some pointers. I would personally volunteer, but business is too good (read-can't get away from work), and I'm personally not that good with scuds & nymphs. Also, observation is highly underrated. If you see someone catching fish, watch what they are doing, take note of how they are doing it & try to mimic it in your presentation. Good Luck! G

I agree that Phil has an excellent forum here. BUT it is only a portal for what makes this site so good...the members. Some give more, some take more (sorry, I fall into the latter category). Either way, the exchange of knowledge on this site is far superior to any site I have been to. I remember the old days of Phil's reports. They were great. The best that could be found at the time. Now that the site has evolved into a true forum, I find the information being shared is much more diverse and timely. Phil himself mentioned he hasn't done that much fishing this year, and while I feel sorry for him, the information keeps coming and coming from people who do. My thanks...huge thanks to Phil for providing this venue for us. Also, my huge thanks to the members. Especially the faithful posters who keep me entertained everyday at work. Even though I don't get to fish as much as I want to, I can live those experiences vicariously through the reports. As for the drama and comedy? That comes from a passion we all share to fish, catch fish, and enjoy the experience to the fullest. Keep it coming My 2 cents G

Ollie, I agree about the snakes. Have been quite startled a number of times. Hopefully we will see some rain this week. I really like fishing this little creek...kind of the anti-Taneycomo. On an off topic note...is there public hunting for quail around there? Swore I heard a bunch of guns one year. G

Just curious what shape the creek is in? I really like to fish this small creek a couple of times a year, but haven't had the time yet. Just curious what the lack of rain has done to the levels?

Like Terry said, I use, and advocate the use of a Ketchum Release tool. I don't take many photo's anymore, I've got enough to fill scrapbooks. That,and I acutally don't like the physical evidence...that way the story can "grow". KR tool is very easy to use, just slide down the tippet, give a poke and the trout swims away having never been touched. The bonus is the fly usually is hooked to the barrel of the KR tool making it easy to inspect. I also think this tool is better on the longevity of the fly. G

Hey Fishin' Freak, sounds like a great price. Is the unit brand new...never been opened, or is it brand new, only used a couple of times? Thanks Growler

stikrz, I don't even carry a net anymore. I release almost all my trout, and find the Ketchum Release tool is extremely handy. Small, lightweight and you don't even touch the fish. It is important to de-barb your hooks though. On the occasion that I want to keep a trout, it is usually a small one (they taste better) and it's no problem to bring them to my grasp without a net. Just thought I'd throw that your way for consideration.

Vince, I had that happen a number of years ago, only I didn't have the heavier line to slip over, just used my fly line. You're right, it does work, but it stings awhile. I have since gone to using a Ketchum Release tool. They are those tools you slide down the line and tap the fly with. Now I don't even have to touch the fish, just slide the KR down, tap the fly, trout swims away. I have been very happy with it.

Phil, Concerning the post under TRL, about the theft problems, you might think about wiring up cams viewing your docks. Record them at night and put a big sign stating "Premises under video surveillance". Added security for your guests. The sign alone would be a deterrent. You can set up systems that record directly to the hard drive of the computer, or you can record to VHS, and just rewind the tape & record over it if nothing happens the previous night.

About 16 (or more) years ago my Dad's locker on his boat dock was broken into. This happened in the Buttermilk area. We lost rods/reels, tackle, batteries, electronics, gas, everything. Every year people had their docks "stripped" of all valuables. At that time the Sheriff said they had suspects...nothing ever came of it. In fact this is the first bust of this kind I have heard of. In a similar incident, about 6 years ago I was fishing on Taneycomo one afternoon into the night. When I finished & returned to my car, everything was gone. I had just returned from Minnesota trip and had ALL my tackle still in my car, including spinning rods & baitcasting gear. Lost it all. I could even see the marks where they used a slim-jim to open the door. At least they didn't break a window or do any damage to get in. Moral to this story: When on a trip, only take what you need and will have in sight at all times. Never leave anything unattended. If you see someone acting suspicious, call the Sheriff and get the license number of their vehicle or write down the numbers of the boat they are in.

Quoting Packman: "It still sounds like waders are trying to reserve their own "special little place" I ask what's the matter with this? Boaters have the rest of the lake to fish. The areas available to wade fish are so limited, I don't think 3/4 of a mile closed to boats is that much. I have nearly been hit in the fog (Geese almost hit me once also). Once in full visibility, had a boat run full-bore between me and the shore while wading across from KOA. I was hunkered down ready to dive to either side. I don't think they ever saw me.

This is actually a very personal subject for many. Everyone likes something a little different, that makes the experience a little more enjoyable for them. Do you remember the first time you fished your favorite rod? I have recently been using my dad's Scott SAS 9' 5wt. Not an expensive rod at all, but I like the way it feels. My favorite rod, or the one I find excuses to use is my Sage VPS 9' 4wt. I built this one myself after getting the materials at Backcountry Outfitters back when Darin worked there. This rod is amazing (to me) for soft hackles, cracklebacks & dries. I also have a Sage RPL+ 8'6" 3wt that is fun when the little silver streaks are overcrowding. This is pretty interesting reading what you all fish. I'm sure everyone is as passionate about what line you use also.