ness

ness says you've come a long way Trav.

Good on you, Flyflinger

...and your "some combination of alcohol..." etc? Not really looking for an answer -- just wanted to make a point. When you speculate, or repeat things, think ahead of your enter key a little. Look at the stuff that's sitting in Phil's forum now, for all to see. Even the smallest of comments can turn a conversation to the ugly -- like it did here. Sometimes it's just best to let one pass on by.

Well Eric, you brought it here though. If you have such contempt and distrust for Fox, maybe you shouldn't quote them. And maybe don't try to steer us into THAT stuff. But, to the original point: your speculation is not based on any first-hand knowledge or fact, and potentially hurtful. Smallie's too. Al already mentioned he was an acquaintance of one of the victims. So, maybe they're not just nameless, faceless, careless, stupid drunks. And even if they were, I think it's poor form to trash them.

Look guys, A couple folks are dead. How about some sympathy? The comments about alcohol, the "I heard" he can't swim, and other speculation can very easily be repeated, and get a life of their own. How about if you don't know something, you don't say anything.

It's useless, Chief. He's gone. There was nothing we could do to save him, dad gummit. Why is it always the good ones? Why??

Et me, Dallas I kinda see your point, but it's not like Al was flogging us with his fish tally. I've read plenty of reports where I just roll my eyes at the big ego on the other end. But I think Al's basically saying he got lucky, at least somewhat. And that's gonna happen to a guy with a passion for catching fish, a lot of experience and a ton of days on the water more than it's gonna happen to a couple workin' stiffs and parents like you and me. By the way -- what's a Neosho strain and who cares anyway? A fish is a fish is a fish, right?

Somebody blow out the "candle in the darkness", please. I would recommend everyone discount any post made by Dallas after approximately 6 PM on a weeknight, 10 AM Saturday or Sunday.

There's always chatter about this place or that. Chatter makes traffic and the traffic makes more chatter. Thing is, the chatter is not necessarily accurate. And, the lack of chatter doesn't mean a place has nothing to offer. A lot of the fun in all this, for me, is figuring out the spots that are off the radar. And, when I do find a spot...well, you guess the rest. Al -- I enjoyed your other post a lot. Good descriptions of techniques, fish locations, tackle, time of day, etc. That's the kind of stuff that should be soaked up by a fisherman. Throw a stream name in there and that good stuff becomes secondary.

Sadly, there's nothing in my vice right now. It's packed away and hasn't seen the light of day for months. The good news is that the myriad of other things going on, and the clutter they have produced in my tying area, have slowed down. The table has been cleaned off, somewhat, in anticipation of fall fishing. There will likely be a mohair leech in there first thing, because I know I'm low on those. (And just to the left will be the rod-building station with a Winston WT blank I've been sitting on for a while).

I don't have time to read all 6 pages. But let me guess what's been said: Some folks want more specific info in the reports people post here. Others argue it's not always a good idea -- for obvious reasons. Nobody's changing their mind. Am I close? Please let me know. Thanks in advance.

Holy smokes, Dallas! We need to get you back into therapy, and quick!

LOL.

Now that is some interesting stuff, Coldspring! Thanks for posting that.

OTF -- good on you for bringing this up. You know, fellers, he's right. Eric -- Mill's not getting stocked. I don't think Spring is either. Little Piney gets some, but it's hardly a trout park. Those little fellers are sure not liking the heat, but the water volume may make it more tolerable for them. Best of all, my lack of fishing plans now has a reason -- I'm giving the little streams a rest, fer the good of the fish.

Same here. I finally had to get bifocals a couple years back. But, when I tie or read I'm sporting a sweet $9 pair of 1.5x reading glasses I picked up at the grocery store.

The saving money aspect is how you sell the idea to your wife but, there's a good chance you'll lose money. If you're frugal and don't buy a ton of expensive materials or tools, you can tie flies for a reasonable cost and come out ahead. I think Dano's is right -- the tool kit will get you started, and your investment is small. If you take to it, you can upgrade over time. If you don't, not a lot wasted. I started on a kit with an inexpensive Thompson A, and it was fine. I'd suggest getting the materials for a fly or two that you use a lot -- preferably nymphs as they typically have more straight-forward ties. Pick a fairly simple one (2-3 ingredients) and just get going. You can do that for about a hundred bucks, or the cost of 50 flies. Find somebody to show you how tie, or find a You Tube video and you're off and running.

Hey Coldspring, he's up 10% so he beat the index! Phil -- what's the settlement rule you're referring to?

Sounds like we've got a clue already. But, before any of you guys shoot anybody, you may want to check things out a little.

Very cool mods, Al. That reclining back adjuster thingy is ingenious!

The 'maters made it worth it.

Dang poaching otters got most of 'em. And the drought got the rest. That crazy dairy farmer guy (I think his name's Boo Radley, or something like that) scared the crap outta me last time I was there in 2001.

Cricket -- that there was funny. No offense Eric.

Man, I can't see several of your points with a Tarpon 120: -Where's the bomb-proof storage? Inside somewhere? If so, how do you access it? -I've never had enough water in a canoe to be an issue. Well, maybe after a dump. -I can't see how a kayak would be easier to drag through shallow water. At least with a canoe your bow is higher and there's a handle right there, though I generally use a rope. -The older I get, the harder it is to get in and out of stuff. The height of a canoe seat is a plus -- sitting low on the water would be a negative for me. -It's hard for me to see packing that for an over-nighter. Folks keep mentioning try before you buy, but I don't think the shops here in KC are gonna lend me anything for the weekend so I can run it down to the Ozarks for a test drive. Does somebody know something I don't? I've never fished from a kayak, so I don't really have experience working for me. My choice of a canoe was based, in large part, on being able to take kids along.

"Most of you know me as an expert"...click