Walcrabass

So I guess it is feasible that if there were enough campers to warrant ALL THE CAMPGROUNDS being leased out........then we couldn't launch at any of them????? Come on guys..... do you remember the "Government is broke " thing last year where they closed ramps that we had already paid for with tax dollars AND our yearly permits ????? I remember asking people to write to our politicians and Conservation people about these facts. I already have talked with and written them on unfairness and wrong before. Maybe the lease money the campground lessee gave just plain out trumps the good old working guy and taxpayer??? ( Even though he has a "Lease" too in his yearly pass that allows you to use Corps of Engineer ramps.) Doesn't any of this burn anyone besides me????? WRITE THEM !!!! CALL THEM !!!! LET THEM KNOW THEY CANNOT TREAT US LIKE THIS !!!!!

Very sorry about your Father. Mine has been gone for some years now. I still think back to the times when I took him fishing and he was having the time of his life catching a bunch of Crappie. I am so grateful we got to do those things together.....

I have several friends that fish MegaBass Jerk Baits. Very fine Jerk Baits. I like them myself. I don't own any of them though....because I believe there are some other really fine Jerk Baits out there for a lot less money. I have been told that MegaBass ALL SUSPEND PERFECTLY !!! I have also been told that they all do not. I have been noticing a trend lately in fishing tackle that suggests that you have to have very expensive stuff to be a good fisherman. I personally believe you just need very GOOD stuff. I will spend the difference in money on boat gas etc. and try to launch close to where I will fish on top of it all. Hope you get the lure replaced or fixed. If not it would be quite a hole in your wallet for just one bait. Maybe get some Rogues when the MegaBass are all gone. Might need to replace some hooks or add split rings to get them to give exactly the action you want. Even after that you would still be money ahead. Rick Clunn aren't too shabby either. Old Man Walcrabass

Straw Hat, You are a very wise man. The grass truly isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. Besides, If I know you well enough from this forum you probably had a very good idea the spot you were fishing was pretty O.K.!!!! Nice to see the fish are in close huh ??? Have you ever tried night fishing for Crappie this time of year ???? I am talking without lights other than Black lights. Walcrabass

O.K. you guys finally got me fired up. I used to Carp fish when I was young. Even went to a lake that was specifically for Carp. You paid by the pound. No kidding it was like one cent per pound !!! I have to go back to my recipe for soaking the White Bass. Heavy Salt Water with 3 or 4 Tablespoons of White Vinegar per bowl. You can score the filets if you like right down the middle of the red streak. Soak them in this overnight. Rinse them the next day and rinse the bowl. Continue rinsing and soaking for 4 days in the plain water. Carp are actually pretty good to eat. I have cleaned them up to about 35 pounds. Better have a sharp knife as their rib bones on the big ones are tough. If you cut it into chunks, roll it in dry batter, deep fry it, and eat it with good horse radish tarter sauce it will beat a lot of other fish I have eaten. As far as the bait goes.......Wheaties, Corn Meal, Flour, and Strawberry Jello. Mix it together however you like. Make balls around your treble hooks. We used old Panty Hose to wrap around them and then let them dry pretty good. Get a good locking snap swivel on your line and now you are ready to snap the trebles on and fish. You guys are making me hungry.....good fishing.....Walcrabass

Duck Doty, I really enjoyed seeing that there are still people that believe in and participate in "Real Fishing and Camping". These are the kind of things I used to do myself. I would like to mention that I have personally been roused out of my sleep for having my boat beached and sleeping in my sleeping bag by the water patrol on Table Rock and told that I was "Camping" and I would be fined if I did not leave. I also have friends that have been set up to eat/sleep etc. at Stockton and were told the same thing. Please be careful where you stop to eat on the bank. Also remember not to have fish filets for lunch or it might be deemed having filets on the water which I believe is also an offense in Missouri. Not trying to put a damper on things just trying to avoid problems for you and your outdoors family. Thanks for sending the post. I hope others will share these same kind of outings with their families. Walcrabass

Duck Doty, I really enjoyed seeing that there are still people that believe in and participate in "Real Fishing and Camping". These are the kind of things I used to do myself. I would like to mention that I have personally been roused out of my sleep for having my boat beached and sleeping in my sleeping bag by the water patrol on Table Rock and told that I was "Camping" and I would be fined if I did not leave. I also have friends that have been set up to eat/sleep etc. at Stockton and were told the same thing. Please be careful where you stop to eat on the bank. Also remember not to have fish filets for lunch or it might be deemed having filets on the water which I believe is also an offense in Missouri. Not trying to put a damper on things just trying to avoid problems for you and your outdoors family. Thanks for sending the post. I hope others will share these same kind of outings with their families. Walcrabass

Mopanfisher, I have one thing to say........ Now THAT SOUNDS GOOD !!!!! I think White Bass filets would be PERFECT for fish Tacos. Senior Walcrabass

It is White Bass time again. Every year I hear about how terrible they taste. My wife and I just finished our second dinner in a row with them as the main dish and they were DELICIOUS !!!! Here is how to do it. 1. Filet the fish with or without bones. 2. Rinse Filets in water and soak in heavy salt water with about 4 tablespoons of WHITE VINEGAR per gallon of solution in Refrigerator overnight. 3. Take out of bowl and rinse in water. Rinse bowl. Put back in plain water and soak overnight again. You can do this for a couple of more days no problem. 4. Spray a cookie sheet with vegetable spray. 5. Mix 2/3 corn meal and 1/3 crushed plain corn flakes in a bowl. Add a little sugar. Add Salt and Pepper. I also add a little crushed red pepper. 6. Coat filets with Zesty Italian salad dressing. No Fat is what I use. 7. Coat filets with corn meal mix and place on cookie sheet. 8. Bake in oven at 425 degrees for 25 minutes on top shelf. Bake for 3 more minutes at 475 to brown better. 9. We sprinkle on some shredded cheese, Mozzarella or Cheddar after taking them out of the oven. 10. We ate ours with a great salad, green beans, baked potatoes, and of course the fish. A meal fit for any royalty. Try it guys. Then admit to yourself that it was great !!!! Old Man Walcrabass

Krazo, We did catch a few. What we caught were nice fish. Launched/fished around High Point as Aldrich was kind of muddy.Only caught them on small Bass size crankbaits as Curl Tails did not produce. Did not see a lot of boats but talked to some guys that had 6 between two boats. We didn't exactly set the world on fire but had a fun day. Finger numbing cold in the morning!!!!! My buddy had a great time !!! Walcrabass

O.K. you guys got me interested. The NASCAR thing was just down right hilarious ( and true). Let's go back in time a little bit. When the "Fish Finders" were first getting available to the "Local guys" there was talk in Canada of making them illegal. There was fear that with their "timber unobstructed lakes" that the schooling fish would be wiped out. Probably some merit to those thoughts but not maybe not so severe. On our lakes here it definitely makes a difference having even one of the old "Flashers" as it pinpoints targets that hold the fish. One thing we have to realize is that we do have the ability to wipe out any species we so choose to wipe out. On land or in the water. All this is leading to a subject that is very dear to my heart.......Length Limits..... I am a big supporter of increasing the lengths for certain species like BASS and Crappie. This is of course directly related to growing season for the area concerned, food availability, and the life span of that species of fish. With our increased knowledge of fishing, our high tech Electronics, our boats, and our equipment I believe that QUALITY FISH are a necessity for the future of angling. I might add that catch and release is just an extension of a sublegal fish where a length limit is involved. I might also add that in my later years "shoot and release" has become a larger and larger part of my hunting. I am simply asking that we all support length limits that maximize our fish populations and not just appease the anglers. In the long run it will improve things for everyone. As far as the fish finders are concerned.........WOW THEY SURE MAKE SOME GOOD ONES !!!!!!! Walcrabass

An old time fishing buddy of mine and I are wanting to go after some White Bass this weekend. If anyone could post the water conditions/ fish biting at CC, Son's Creek, or Aldrich I would really appreciate it. We're not wanting to know your spots just get us in the area and let us know what is going on. I haven't been to the lake in quite awhile and don't really want to blow a tank of gas at $3.25 a gallon running all over the lake. Thanks, Walcrabass

Bitethis, I believe there are several manufacturers that make a "Purple Shad" kind of color. I have seen them in a couple of different brands. If you pm me I can give you the guys name that makes mine. I don't think there are any better ones to tie on. Walcrabass

Bitethis, Purple Shad isn't really a "purple color". It does have some strands of a violet or wild looking blue in it but it is primarily a Shad looking pattern. I have some thoughts that the fish like it because it appeals in so many ways. A big White Blade, small gold blade, and dark colors ( Purple), along with Shad colors. It might be kind of like a smorgasbord for the fish. One thing is for sure, Spinnerbait time is only 10 or fifteen water degrees away. Walcrabass

Bitethis, The absolute all around in any water or temperature best Spinnerbait I have ever used is a Purple Shad Pattern. It has a White Big Willow and a Gold small Willow. Don't actually know why this one is so popular with the fish but they sure love it. Next in line for Dirty water is some kind of Chartreuse or Chartreuse Firetiger. Third would be a Flashy kind of White. If you are night fishing then a Black N Red Neon with a large Colorado blade in matching color can't possibly be beat. Add a huge Black Neon trailer to slow it down even more. If the Bass are spawning and the Bluegill are eating their eggs/fry then a Bluegill pattern with a Gold blade is awesome.The Spinnerbaits I use are custom made.....the only way to go!! Sizes???? Depends on the wind and depth you are fishing. Heavier baits can really pay off. Walcrabass

Mopanfisher, You have hit the nail right on the head. You would love to go to Colorado or elsewhere to hunt but just can't afford to go. I know there are other expenses involved but the Out of State tags play a big part. My point is that if it continues you might not be able to go here either. I still am standing behind the fact that the same air, same water etc flows through many states. Also that the Federal lands belong to each and every American EQUALLY !!! This is NOT about Missouri or any other state by itself. It is about a trend from all of them. Us older guys remember when this problem did not exist. You know why???? Because people in years past would not have put up with this kind of practice. Write to them guys !!! Let them know how you feel. It just isn't right !!!!! Walcrabass

Bfishn, Just ONE more thing in regard to the "increasing few" being able to afford the Hunting/ Fishing licenses. I was under the impression that the Conservation Departments were devoted to ALL citizens enjoying our wildlife. I am not referring to seeing them along the roadways....I mean being able to Hunt them etc. With the "increasing few" being able to afford to go I had another thought. I guess ALL the people of the state will be charged through sales tax to pay for aiding our wildlife efforts but only an "increasing few" will actually get to enjoy it to the fullest. I am terribly against making our hunting/fishing so expensive that the majority of Americans cannot participate in the practices of their ancestors. Maybe I am all wrong....maybe it is O.K. for only a few to be able to afford to go.......then those that are wealthy would have even better hunting and fishing because there would not be other Peons harvesting THEIR game!!!! Obviously I am NOT happy about this " Out of State" thing. Not for licenses.....not for colleges either. The water that flows through Missouri is the same water that flows through other states. Maybe we should start charging out of state people for breathing "Our Air" while they are in our state. Sorry..... I am just trying to point out how wrong all this stuff is to people who belong to the same country and pay the same Federal taxes. We as a people have got to start being a lot more fair. That is all, I won't say anymore, Walcrabass

Bfishn, Thank you very much. I was able to go to the site you provided with the salaries/wages. I did not find anything concerning bonuses. It was VERY INTERESTING READING!!!!! I was particularly drawn to the fact that the Biologists were paid considerably less than the "Business" or "Finance" or maybe "IT" guys. It would seem to me that they would be of MORE IMPORTANCE than the "Bean Counter" kind of people to a Conservation Department. I would suggest that everyone go to this site to see the money that these people receive. It will give you a better perspective in the grand scenario of things. While I was browsing I also looked at salaries for Professors, Deans, Maintenance personnel, etc for the College and University people. Zarra Spook, I now have absolutely no problem understanding why they try to collect 2 or 3 times the money from students that come from out of state. When you consider their retirement it REALLY comes into focus. I am now having a hard time understanding why we have condemned people like........ the Auto Workers????? So....Bfishn....unless I am incorrect (maybe blind) we all need to get jobs with these people. THEN THE OUT OF STATE LICENSES WOULDN'T SEEM SO BAD!!!!! It brings to mind.....You just don't know until you have walked a mile ( or are permanently stuck in ) the other guys shoes. All I know is......the vast majority of us are underpaid/under provided for in retirement. I hope none of the people that were getting what I consider to be VERY GOOD PAY in this documentation are against Minimum Wage. That would be insulting to the human thought processes. Just Ole Walcrabass

Bfshn, Obviously you are way smarter than I am with a computer. I will try to follow your instructions and advice. Walcrabass

Luvn2 fish, So I guess this means burning off wheat fields, Camp Fires, Burning your trash, doing burn outs with your Camaro, smoking Cigarettes/Cigars/Pipes ( or now days Marijuana in States where it is legal), or anything else that produces smoke should also fall under the "Watchfull and Caring Eye" of whatever agency deems it necessary. Come on guys!!!!! This is exactly what I am talking about. Legislative empowered people forcing us to do ridiculous things. Someone has to get it across to them that we are STRUGGLING AND CANNOT AFFORD WHATEVER FLIES THROUGH THEIR MINDS. Sorry, I am against the stove thing all the way around. It would completely eliminate all Fireplaces that were not installed with High Tech equipment in recent times. We're dying on the vine, We need help not hurt, Walcrabass

Bfshn, Those are great figures you have presented. However, I still would like to see a complete list of every single person that draws a salary or wages from the Missouri Department of Conservation including all perks and bonuses. I believe we absolutely have a right to know what the money we so graciously gave to them through the Amendment of our State Constitution is being spent for in this area. I might clarify that when I say perks I mean to include any vehicles that are driven home by Missouri Department of Conservation Staff, Wage Earners, Salaried people, Advisors, or any other person(s) that are given this usage. In short I believe that if we pay for something we at least have the right to know what we paid for. And if someone can furnish this information please start at the top in the amount of earnings and list them in descending order with the persons title, responsibilities, duties, and number of hours worked per week for a calendar year. Don't get me wrong. I am not picking on the Department of Conservation in Missouri. I think these things should be easily accessible for all persons concerning all Conservation Departments in all States. Just Curious, Walcrabass

Everyone, I definitely do not want Legislature to control the Department of Conservation. However, I DO WANT the Department of Conservation to publicly publish where the money goes....and to tell why it is necessary for them or other departments to charge exorbitant fees for out of state people to hunt and fish. ESPECIALLY WHERE PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS ARE CONCERNED THAT WERE FORMED BY FEDERAL MONEY OR ARE MAINTAINED OR WATCHED OVER BY FEDERAL MONEY!!!! I WOULD ALSO LIKE FOR SALARIES TO BE PUBLISHED IN A SIMPLE TO READ FORM THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE DIGGING THROUGH A PILE OF PAPERWORK!!!! I think we deserve to know who is getting how much and why the practice has been instituted to gouge people that live in another state for use of Federally formed waters and maintained lands. It just plain isn't right !!!!! Walcrabass

Zarraspook, You and I think alike. The College Students are getting ripped off too as the "State" colleges receive "Federal " money. You would think in this world of "Non-Discrimination" that we supposedly live in that things like this would be illegal. As far as the Military is concerned......and especially those who are disabled.... I don't think they should have to pay for Fishing, Hunting, Driving, or anything else they want to do that requires a license and I don't care if it is State, Federal, or what!!!!!!!! Wait a minute ..... I just had an idea....... don't make anyone pay Federal taxes...... only State taxes....... then all this stuff would seem more feasible.......think of all the money we personally would save out of our own pockets....... and think of all the stupid expenses and exporting of our money to other countries that would come to a stop!!!! Man, I am genius!!!!!!! Anyway....write to your Congressmen and Departments of Conservation......it really could make a difference. After all, I was told we could not have the 4 point rule in Missouri because " it just wouldn't work". After a couple of letters from myself ( and I am sure others) and several years to think it over......well ......we have it now. Get out your pens and pencils guys. Do everyone a favor. Walcrabass

Well, I have a complaint....again......about money of course. Not really... it is about the abuse of legislative priviledges towards the ordinary guy that likes to hunt or fish. I am back to the Out of State fees again. I was informed by a friend of mine that the Colorado Cow Elk Tags and Bull Tags have went up another $100 for out of state guys. I believe the Cow tag is now $450.00. Not sure on the Bull Tag but it is around $600.00. I guess I am still trying to figure out how the same people that fight our wars, pay our Federal Income taxes etc., are charged DIFFERENT AMOUNTS to hunt and fish on Corp property or National Forest Land. I guess we need to change our theme to the "land of the Rich" and not the land of the free. Additionally I see in the paper that there is thought towards making it illegal to burn firewood to heat your home. Pollution of course. I guess we don't need to worry about the tons ( literally) of Diesel in our atmosphere........since it brings in tax revenue. And finally I was told by a friend of an Article by "Larry Dablemont" ( I think that is right) that expounds on the income that Conservation Departments receive from leasing pasture and crop land to the farmers and ranchers. Pretty good deal......buy it with tax dollars, bulldoze a good share of it, and then lease it back for an eternal income. It is kind of like "Nothing invested" but "Everything Gained" . I guess I am just upset because I spent the $12.00 for a hunting license and went to about 4,000 acres of Public land to Rabbit hunt during the snow. Between three of us we saw ONE RABBIT. However there was evidence of cattle and crops galore. Talk about a lack of return for your money. Well...... our part anyway. So Here is what I am saying......if you put up with it........it will continue........so don't. Write your Congressmen and your Conservation Departments and let them know that your wallet just can't take anymore. I have written very polite letters in the past to State Reps. and Conservation Dept. Officials to tell them that we and our billfolds are not just statistics. We are human beings that have to take care of our families and ourselves........and it is getting harder and harder. Propane, Gas, Groceries, Plywood, LICENSES.....IT JUST CAN'T CONTINUE. So ...... I hope your Monday has some thought in it now. Please give it some..... it can't hurt......it might "Pay Off". Walcrabass

Frying Eyes, That is an awesome idea !!!!!