ness

Wow -- that Ozark bass is wild looking. I've never seen one either.

I remember sitting in my dentist's chair and having him spout off about how much he was making in stocks. He wasn't alone -- everybody was making a killing and talking about it. I already thought things were inflated, and his confidence is what pushed me to move a large percentage of my retirement out of stocks. That was 1999, and I remember that because of the tech bubble that popped right after that. I'm not bragging, it's just when the whole world thinks the market is a sure thing, it's time to exit. It feels the same way with gold. When you're pounded with commercials saying it's time to buy gold, and others are begging you to sell them your jewelry, it just feels like a bubble in the making. I've gotta think it's gonna pop relatively soon.

OK -- if you're talking about 'day trading' then Backcountry's info is spot on. You always hear stories about people doubling, tripling, whatever, their money. Nobody ever talks about it when they lose. It's just about like going to the casino -- the odds are heavily stacked against you and you'll lose more often than you win. I recently got satellite radio, and I hear the commercials on Fox radio. Pennystockchaser.com, buy gold now, etc. I'd ignore that BS. I'm not saying gold won't go to 2,000, but geez -- do you really want to jump in on something that's already moved up 50% (or whatever)? Penny stocks are, as Backcountry said, about as risky as it gets. Buying Conoco for a long-term investment is probably not a bad bet. They sell oil, and we seem to be using quite a lot of it. Ford is the only US car company not to require a massive bailout, and are building good quality vehicles. They're kinda my sentimental favorite for just getting it right. They're certainly not out of the woods yet, but we're always gonna need cars, and I'd bet a lot of them will be Fords. If you look at the industries that have been battered by all this, and pick out the guys that have done the best you're able to see who knows how to run a business. And, a lot of the stocks are still tamped down, just because. A couple that come to mind are GE, Ford or Wells Fargo.

My point was, that after the rout of 2008 - early 2009, virtually all stock funds are up. The worst one I own personally is up about 29% year-to-date, and skimming over a list of stock funds, the lowest YTD return I see is 14%. So saying your portfolio has performed well over six months doesn't exactly set you apart. Phil asked about the market and a few particular stocks saying he wanted to step out of funds, and I suggested an approach. I think it's tempting to get a little too into things -- like watching the financial shows, checking the market, counting your sheckles at the end of the day's trading, etc. For a guy just sticking his toe in the water, I'd suggest looking at it long-term. All that stuff is just a distraction. That's why I say just make your picks and forget about them for a while -- like, say, five years. The investment world is full of old sayings, but here's one that speaks more to my approach: "Lethargy, bordering on sloth, should be the cornerstone of an investment strategy."

It's been relatively hard to find stocks or stock funds that haven't performed well over the last six months or so. Same with bond funds, if they weren't governments. When you said 'active trader', did you mean you were looking to buy and sell frequently? Are you wanting to take advantage of frequent, small price moves? If so, you've got a lot of competition -- very good competition. I'd suggest you look at those stocks (or others) independently, make your decision and stick with it. Don't be influenced by short-term moves, the pundits, the day's economic indicators, etc. Turn off CNBC, ignore Jim Cramer, and don't check the stock price for, say, 6 months. If you don't have the temperament to do this, it may be you're better off in funds.

Man, that filled up so quick I feel like we're probably excluding some folks. Any chance you'd bump it to 18?

Man, you're killing me. We did a three-day stopover in Townsend on our way to SC this summer. That was not nearly enough time for me there. I had one day blocked out for fishing, and it rained bad the night before. The water was way, way up. Caught a nice brown though. Got skunked early the last morning -- way up in the Park trying to snag a brookie. That was a disappointment, but I know I'll get back. Gorgeous place, and Townsend is the way to go. Where'd you stay?

Great idea! Put me down for some kinda popper. I'm feeling creative.

I know the feeling. I used to lose sunglasses all the time. Bought a pair of expensive ones, and they've lasted 5 years. Gotta run -- I'm not sure I put them back in the case.

We're on the same team, man. Have a happy birthday!

I know your not one of them -- I saw the 'Baldwin' over there. I've got JO on my plate, and it comes with it's own set of baggage.

Goodun Ronnie

I got your gift right here, Chief. Your pal, DW

Can't help you on the handle, but I got a lotta ways to shorten the other end.

How do I know it's not a trap?

I saw on another internet bulletin chat forum this thing where people tie flies and then a whole bunch show up in the mail. Not sure exactly how it works, but it sounds a little like an illegal chain letter, but with tackle. Anybody got any knowledge about these things?

I wanna see a strike indicator that'll float a heavy nymph and a pair of BBs, won't come off, easy for me to see, invisible to the trout and helps with casting. Also, it needs to be about $0.25 and last forever. You know -- something with German engineering and Chinese labor.

Seems like we've all come to agreement on religion, politics, guide-shadowing and catch and release. So, what can we get in a tizzy about now?

Andy: When I see DG I don't wonder where they're from, I think flaming Lawrence liberal Cricket: I hope you know I was just pokin' you in the eye. IMO, it's best to take a more direct approach. If some dude comes to my door, I want to know why he's there fairly quickly. If I get a letter full of praise, I wonder if it's sincere. I'm probably jaded, because I get 'sold' to all the time, and have for more than 20 years. To me, the best salesmen are the best listeners, not the best talkers. They listen, learn what's important, and work to get me what I need. They build trust through their actions, not through their words, and that takes a little time. So, getting back to the topic -- I'd most likely go to the door and just be upfront about what I want, and let the conversation go from there. If the guy looked pissed I was even there, and gave a quick no, I'd probably apologize for the intrusion and move on. If the guy was open to discussing it, I'd let him talk and try to learn what he expects or would like from me.

Absolutely right, Chief. I've got MO and KS game thief numbers in my phone, which also has a camera. If I see somebody break the rules, I will tattle. Another thing I have done, and suggest other do too, is call the number when you're seeing evidence of poachers. Worm containers, Powerbait jars, whatever. Call them and let them know there are violations taking place. That doesn't guarantee that something will happen, but it improves the odds.

I'm not opposed to writing a letter -- I've done it too. But, like in a face to face, I'd get right to the point. Gushing over a beautiful property, or offering to clear the culvert are fine, bringing up a disabled friend may all be sincere, but you'd lose a lot of folks by the end of paragraph two. How about: Dear Resident, Can I fish in your pond? I'd pay for the privilege. Cricket.

Honestly? It's too wordy for my tastes. I've got people trying to sell me stuff all the time, and I have a pretty good sniffer for BS. I believe I detected some there :^) I'd just go up to the door most times, look him in the eye and get right to the point. I'd make time for smalltalk or make an offer after that, if the guy seemed like he was in the mood. Otherwise, I'd give him a smile, thank him for his time and walk slowly back to the car, sulking.

Dear Cricket, Your second letter was more than Mr. Jones could take. I found him in the driveway, still clutching the letter in his hand. He despised Dale Carnegie, hated the disabled and was proud of our culvert. Forever in your debt but you still can't fish here, Widow Jones

Dear Cricket, I see you read the Carnegie book. Stay outta my yard, Mr. and Mrs. Jones

I've been getting e-mails about those concerts, and would love to do one but there has always been a conflict. Lots of good bands, as I recall. Nice to see a good report on them