Chris Barclay

Man, TroutRinger, you shouldn't tempt me like that! You've hit my weakness!

The creek appeared to be clean (nice looking water and not smelly) but there are signs posted saying basically not to get in the water because of possible sewage runoff. The bass was under 6".

I saw that pond on Google maps but didn't try to access it. Good thing I didn't! I caught a ton of green sunfish and creek chub, a few bluegills and bass (largemouth), and a hybrid green/bluegill. I saw an enormous carp under the in a deep pool. All on small nymph flies.

I haven't heard good things about Femme Osage either. I've fished Gravois Creek recently and had a great time, though it's not a 'clean' body of water (so wash your hands after you are done fishing). I accessed it from Clydesdale County Park off of Grant's Trail.

Justin, do you have any 3 weight suitable reels like this?

When I drove by there last week I was thinking the same thing. Bummer it's not public.

Man, Pat. I'm sorry to hear about the new unemployment. I'm glad you were able to get out and fish though. Very nice fish too.

I recently bought a 3 weight Redington CT that I really like - a nice smooth medium action. Bought it from Feather-Craft here in St.Louis for $129. It's similar to the Finesse (I'm actually going to compare it to my friend's 3 wt Finesse tomorrow, hopefully). It's a very high quality rod for the price and I would highly suggest looking into one of them. (FWIW, I also bought a Redington Drift reel to go with it and am equally pleased)

I've fished it several times near lake 33 and have caught a few small bass and bream. It's very fishy looking with some good stretches but it hasn't produced what I thought it should. I read a study somewhere that showed a VERY small fish population.

I'd say that's a good deal! I really like that rod and the Tioga is an outstanding reel. Jump on it if you can.

I have to agree with Flysmallie. When I lived in Texas, I used 7 and 8 weight outfits. I felt they were overkill for the real life fishing that most people do. I went down to a 5 weight outfit and feel that would be a great setup for bass. A 'glass 6 weight would be perfect IMO. I now use a glass 3/4 wt outfit exclusively (due to budget AND preference) to fish for bluegill which is my target species, although I've 'accidentally' hooked up with many nice (up to 4 pounds) bass and have released them safely and happily. OTF, I'd be content with what you have until you get more comfortable with this new chapter of this great hobby of ours.

I was out yesterday at Busch. Caught a few redears and a few largemouths. The redears were a very pale color except their bellies were a bright yellow/orange so I guess they are starting to get their spawning colors. Not bad for rainy and dropping to 45 degrees by the time I left.

I'm glad to hear this! I will be heading out this afternoon with my fly rod to see what I can find. I have to admit a guilty pleasure that bluegill and their varieties are my favorite fish to catch. I'd rather catch a 10" bluegill than a 7 pound bass.

still available!

The last time I was at Feather-Craft they had a few. I'd call and ask for Mike or Evan and they will tell you what they have.

They've got a full fleet of rentals on the bank waiting for you.

Hargrove is a great place. They are down the street from my mechanic so whenever I have to wait for some work to be done I go hang out with Craig and Tom. Probably a great place to work too.

I thought I already posted in this one? regardless, I'm here.

At the end of the summer I was fly fishing with a friend who hooked into something ENORMOUS that sawed through his furled leader after a brief fight. We can only guess that it was a muskie. It was really exciting for a brief moment. I'm glad the muskies are doing so well. That's one of my favorite lakes to fish at Busch.

I understand, no pressure at all! My understanding is that St. Croix 'upgraded' most of their line. I was thinking that the Imperial was an entry level rod just above the Triumph? I'm no expert though. Which fly shop do you go to?

That's a great description. I feel that my rod is tremendously smooth with a good representative flex and feel throughout the whole casting stroke at about any distance. Hmm, I'm tempting myself now! I have a great idea, you could by my rod and have a rod builder section it for you! You can thank me later. BTW, when I was trying out this rod I tried it with a 1 wt line and it was really nice and delicate. Very versatile even if it isn't a 4 piecer. Chris

You know, you can always buy mine, cast it for a while and then sell it for the low, low price of what you paid for it. Or maybe I'll miss it and want to buy it back! Geoff, I'm curious what your thoughts are on the older vs. newer versions (Pre and post IPC)?

Patfish - I know, I know! It's an awesome rod but I've recently gotten a custom fiberglass 3 weight that I really like and am planning on getting a 3+ piecer with this $$. We still need to fish some time! Geoff - I wanted to get the 4 piece version but had my hands on this one and was really taken by the way it casts and fishes.

For sale is my nearly new St. Croix Avid 7' 3 weight 2 piece graphite fly rod + tube. I bought it from Cabela's the past summer and have really enjoyed it. It's got a terrific tip on it - nice and delicate but lots of backbone. I've caught many bass up to 3 pounds on it and the rod has performed flawlessly. $130 shipped in the lower 48 Contact me at: czarbarclay[at]prodigy[dot]net Thanks!

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