Quillback

Never have eaten fresh water mussels myself, well the saltwater ones I have eaten and I like them, but they do have a distinctive taste that a lot of people don't like. There are shellfish beaches open to the public in Puget Sounds and that's where I would get mussels. They weren't real popular like oysters and clams so it was pretty easy to harvest them. I would think that the salt water versions of clams and mussels are completely different species than the freshwater ones. I'm pretty sure Indians used to eat them, there are a lot of shell middens in the Tenn. lakes and rivers from Indian harvest.

If you want to take some classes, take them. Why worry about what other people think?

Have to think the Chiefs are going to win it all.

Yep, He did a good job there at Battery Outftters, but I have heard that he has moved on.

Congrats, that's a good day!

Yes, one of the best games I have ever seen. You really have to like the Chiefs chances of winning it all.

Well, best wishes on your recovery! Things aren't the same without you and the big guy, so hopefully ya'll can make it.

This thread must have jinxed me. Went out this morning to prep the boat for some fishing tomorrow - right side rear tire flatter than a pancake. To get the boat in the garage I have to put it pretty close to the wall on that side, so I couldn't get the cross ways tire iron on it, had to get a socket wrench and do some kicking to loosen up the lugs. That is always so much fun. But got it off, it is in the truck bed and tomorrow I'll be off to get it replaced - if anyone has one in stock. The only ray of sunshine is that the tire was pretty worn. A nail did the dirty deed.

Used to catch them in the Columbia river, both white and green sturgeon. Anchor up facing into the current, and fish bait on the bottom off the back of the boat, fresh smelt, if you could get them, were the best bait. On an average day, you'd get 30-40 of them, but these were not the 8 foot monsters, most of them were 24-36" long. They had a slot limit, you could keep 2 a day that were 42-48" in length. I kept one once, but not at all impressed with the taste, even smoked it and it just wasn't that good. Those Snake river fish are caught over and over, they aren't too bright. It is all catch and release and they are a tough fish and can handle the repeated catching. Supposedly the guides have named individual fish that they have caught multiple times. Never did go to the Snake and try it, but maybe someday I'll make a trip out there to fish for them. I know people that have caught them, and those fish will flat out wear you out, one of those deals where once you catch one, you lose the desire to catch another.

No doubt poaching occurs, but I'd bet the guy selling those fish in your first post is selling farm raised fish. Largemouth Bass – Freshwater Aquaculture (extension.org)

Good on Dennis for picking that stuff up.

Cool, glad to see you guys are coming, always is fun talking to everyone.

I never see many waterfowl, except for the geese. But obviously those guys are on to something.

Just finished The Dragon behind the glass by Emily Voight. The dragon being an Arowana fish. Certain varieties of this fish are worth large amounts of money, much like fancy Koi. I thought it was a good read, even for a non-species guy such as myself. You can go to Amazon and get reviews. You think John's Folly likes to travel for fish? You should see the travel the folks who spend their lives finding new species of fish do. Be happy to mail my copy of this book if anyone wants to read it. First reply gets it, PM me your address.

Good to see someone that keeps up on their tire PM. Also don't forget to carry a bucket full of winter air in your trunk in case you are on the road and one of your tires gets low. I know from painful experience that finding a bucket of winter air at a gas station is next to impossible.

I had not watched much Bills football this year, but watched the playoff game where they smoked the Pats. One thing that impressed me was how fast Allen can run.

Last year some guys set up a blind right by the swim beach at the Big M park. Never heard them shoot, and the park geese weren't around that day so I doubt if they were going to get anything. Those park geese don't fly much, they do some swimming then waddle up to the grass and graze for a while, then waddle back to the water and swim. There was a couple of dozen hanging around the old Viney launch last week. They need thinning out.

This is the game I am looking forward to the most this weekend. Not a fan of either team, but this has the potential to be a great game.

Indeed, happy birthday Mr. McBasser, and good to see you got into the fish!

There's been a few on the Big M ramp, always pays to scope out the ramp before backing down.

I agree, wonderful sport fish on appropriate tackle.

Forgot to post the past winners: 2015 - Kbilb 2016 - Little Jasper 2017 - Carl W 2018 - Kbilb 2019 - Kbilb 2020 - Chip Covid 2021 - JayBill 2022 - Your moniker here?

Might be pretty neat in the spring when the stripers are biting on top. One of these days I am going to spring for it.