Bill McC

First to say is. I hope everyone is doing fine down there!!! Heard today how bad it was. Be safe!!! Now for the question. We always wade while fishing down there on Lake Taneycomo. I have put a Jon Boat together for fishing these great SE Kansas strip pits, remember those Phil? Anyhow would my 14'48" jon be okay on Lake Taneycomo? 18hp evinrude with bow mounted trolley motor. Pleae advise guys. Folks do be careful down there. Hoping to see you all in a few weeks. BillMc

John; If you are in the Pittsburg area we need to hook up, for coffee sometime and make some plans. I am also in the area. Used to fish Roaring alot. But for the drive distance I perfer Taney these days. Going to learn the wading areas there a little better. BillMc

Do to a job change it is hard to get away right now and with college softball starting. If it is on a Saturday I am notworking or she doesn't have a game, I'll drive down and help. I fish thier so I feel I can help keep it clean. BillMc

I have used St Croix customer service twice. I have always have had excellent results. They have even taken care things that were my fault. I will admit I own way to many of thier rods. Only bought one that I didn't like and didn't keep, it was a triupmh. Pissed me off I thought I bought an entry levdel spinning rod that was good quality, I am not saying it was not, I but Croix cause they are great rods made in the USA. The triupmh is made in China. They made this right!!! I am the one who didn't read the label. I don't feel they need to compete in a Wally World setting. I will continue to take my business local, if they can't supply my fly fishing needs, and they really can't [they get thiers on the hunting side] I will continue to use Phil and another fly shop at my favorite placde to fly fish. The tailwaters of Taney. BillMc

Really wouldn't matter to me if they had gambling, already have the cliental for it. I really hope the folks in Rockyaway Beach get a break BillMc

http://www.themeasurenet.com/index.htm I even bought the wife one of these as a gift, just so she would leave mine alone. I ordrered direct and Jeff is a great guy. BillMc

i use a measure net, soft net, I do not have to touch the fish to measure, and a good net. If Phil says it is okay I'll find the kink and post it. BillMc

I have a pair of cabelas dry plus, second pair, I only seem to get a year out of them. They replaced under warranty. Bought my wife a pair of Simms much better waders. If you buy in the upper series gauranteed for life!!!! BillMc

Is the swap filled? Let me knopw if not I'll jump in don't know what I am going to tie. It is hot and no fishing so something to do. BillMc

I try never to schuffle. I have been hit hard enough in the back of the knees to cause me to move and distrube the bottom. I try to be a smart fisherman and not cheat and try to catch the fish on a fair level. Nothing pisses me off more then seeing someone fish the outlets and then mishandles the fish on release. Just tears me up. When fishing RR I couldn't count the fish that are bank then literly thrown back to die. Better get off my soap box. BillMc

I don't know how I feelabout this. I have been told by more then 1 old timer, it is time to start heading to the bank. I get a little lost when the fish are really on. BillMc

C and R id my favorite time of the year at RR. I love to drive down for the day, do a little fishing and get a little lunch. Then head back toward home pick the wife up from work and let her know that I had a great daygoofing off. BillMc

I know those agents wear plain clothes. I was catching fish after fish one year, worked hard for a while to find that magic fly. I guy walked up to me and asked or rather demanded what I was using, if he had been nicer about it I would of told him. Told him I was using corn on a fly rod. The plains clothes agent didn't see the humor. But that size 14 yellow crackleback was a killer that day. I don't mind folks taking fish, I take a few, I just hate to see it abused and laws broken. Do folks really need all of that fish to eat. BillMc

Do you really think they are stocking less fish? My daughter watcheda family of 6 catch thier limits, at least twice apiece. So maybe more greedy fishermen? I will agree that the fish are smaller then they were at the beginning of the season. BillMc

Wife and I went to RR yesterday, took the daughter and her boyfriend, his first experience FF. I did really well with the following flies. P and P sz 16 Yellow Crackleback sz12 Mohair leech sz14 green halo cracklebck I thought the water was as low as I have seen it in a long time. Really clear and the trout seemed liked the could really key in on the tippet. My non-fishing daughter seen something that really pissed her off. A hispanic family catching thier limits then putting the catch in the car and catching more. She could not find a park ranger. Thought they were being selfish, and non sportsman like. Anyhow had a nice lunch and a great time with family. The boyfriend did well. If I just teach him not to jerk to set the hook. BillMc

Brain; I thought of that looked at it. She saw me looking at it. Said no to much money. So I am on the search. Thinking I would perfer a St Croix, she seems to like them. BillMc

My sons are going down to Branson inAug. for summer cruise. They are wanting to do a little flat head and cat fishing on tablerock. Wanting to know if anyone can point them to a decent place to do a little bank fishing. I am assuming they will be fishing at night. Thanks for the help in advance. BillMc

Wanting to buy my wife and fishing partner a new fly rod for our 24th wedding anniveristy. I have lookedat the fly girl rod made for mcgill and wright. Has a lifetime warranty and not a bad looking rod. What bothers me is that it is made in china. For the cost of that rod I could put her in a upper mid-priced St Croix,only doesn't come with a women's grip. Wanting to get some feedback on this rod by someone who has fished it, not a retailer who is selling it! Thinking maybe of having a rod built, can anyone point me in the right direction and give me some feedback. BillMc

I would consider Taney my favorite water, seems like I get to fish Roaring River more often due to milage, been skipping RR so I can get to Taney evey other weekend. BillMc

I bought two packages of 1/124 jig heads. Now Idon't know what to tie with them. Give me a helping hand here. They are gold colored. BillMc

Wife and I are planning a small vacation. We don't want to travel very far due to the price of gas. We regularly fish Roaring River and Taneycomo. Was wondering what anyone would recommend for trout fishing trip. She absolutely hates Bennett Springs. Was wondering what would be close in Arkansas. We both wade and have no boat. Would like to take the camper with us. BillMc

Wow I remember that!!! I seen the Lake Queen docked over by Roark, when we went to Branson Landing the last trip down. I sure miss the old downtown!!! But this will give my wife and daughters some place to hang after the wife and I are done fishing for the day. BillMc

I was looking at the zebra midge paterns, went to google and did a search, but didn't find these patterns just some references to. If anyone has these patterns would you please post them. Copper Dunn Zebra Midge Primrose and Pearl Zebra Midge Rusty Zebra Midge Ugly Zebra Midge Thanks for all of your help. BillMc

Went to Raoring River yesterday, 04-15-06. Arrived at about 9:00am, was running a little behind. Went into the Lodge to get my tag, and naturally had to chat with the employyes that I knew. I will say that the lodge has allot more to offer since it has been under new mangement the last couple of seasons. Well got rigged up, ST Croix 5wt 8'6" with floating line. Hit the first two holes in front of the lodge, kind of crowed so I moved on. Went up to the last 2 holes by the hatchery. Caught app. 30 fish, I used the following: black furance wooly bugger, pale yellow crackle back, bead head olive wooly bugger, olive wooly bugger. and I can't remember what else. Of the 30 or so fish I caught most were in the 10 to 11 inch range. I did take 4 fish home, that were 14 to 15 inches. I didn't see any big fish taken while I was there. I left the park at about 1:00pm. It was really a great day trip, and no sunburn. BillMc

I would like to thank everyone for the replies. Sorry it took me so long. I have been at a softball tourney in Kansas City and then my 3 day work schedule. Once again thank allot. Will be tying some of these tomorrow. BillMc