Ozark Sweetwater

Lancer is correct. It's reversed tied bucktail,CCG eyes and thick CCG. The thin will work but the thick makes it much easier. It works best to do it in layers. I also top it off with CCG Hydro or Sally's Hard as Nails.

It really boils down to one thing, managing expectations. I always try to have several conversations with my clients prior to the trip. It's important to find out what they are wanting out of the trip. It may be a certain technique that are wanting to try, it may be just numbers they are after,or they could be trophy hunters. Whatever it is they are after, as a guide, you need to know this information and be up front and honest with them about the situation. I have not had a fishless day but i have had some REALLY slow days. It is a very uncomfortable situation to be in. When the fishing is good , a guides job is pretty easy. When it's bad, I'm working my butt off changing flies,techniques ,and doing everything I can to get fish in the boat. I personally never fish with clients in the boat. I have never seen a fly guide that does,other than to demonstrate a technique or to show a different retrieve or something similar. It may be different with guides on the lake, I honestly don't know.

I have and it performs pretty well. It's not as responsive as the drifter but I didn't expect it to be with the hull differences. I'm keeping the drift boat but the Towee will open up some other waters that have limited access.

The Clacka "headhunter" skiff is a great choice for around here and there are several guys on the board that have them.The new ones have walk around leg braces which mine does not. They also widened and raised the stern. I'm picking up my Towee Feb 1. It will have a rowing frame and removable casting braces.

Al, you will get no argument from me. I don't think a drift boat is the best option for most of the Ozark Rivers but I enjoy fishing from them and they definitely get the job done.It may not be the most efficient way to navigate our streams but for me, it's the most enjoyable way. I do guide out of mine and many clients enjoy the experience of floating in the drifter as much as the fishing. My boat drafts 3in and it would surprise a lot of people what rivers it really does shine on. It is a more stable platform than a canoe and way more manuverable than a small jon boat. That being said, it is still not always the best option. Regarding having a couple of friends that can row, you are ABSOLUTELY correct. All of my fishing buddies are competent oarsmen and the rule is, we switch every 15 minutes or after a landed fish. There's nothing that sucks more than owning a drift boat and never getting to fish out of it because you're stuck rowing the entire time. I think what you are seeing on the Yellowstone are "river skiffs." I owned a Clacka Headhunter skiff and it worked great but this year I went to the 16ft LP. You can see them side by side in the pic below. The skiff worked great but I have always liked the lines of the traditional drifter plus it had some interior upgrades that made a huge difference. Another boat you may want to check out is a Towee. www.toweemarine.com

I'll try and answer your questions one at a time. New or Used? If money was no object, I would buy new but you will save several thousand dollars buying a used boat. I have bought used and I've bought new. I have been happy with both. I have always owned Clackacraft. Clackacraft sells used boats that have had the hull and the chines redone, new trailer,new oars,anchor rope, and anchor. They come with a 100 year guarantee on the hull. Most of these are guide trade ins and you will save approx $2500-$3500 bucks over a new boat. I believe Hyde has a similar deal but I'm not sure about the other companies. Length? I would not buy one that is less than 15ft. A 12-13ft boat is only good for a rower and one fisherman and not a lot of gear. It would work but in my opinion you would regret buying a 12ft boat. On the other hand, I would not get one over 16ft for anywhere other than the Pacific Northwest or Alaska. With a 16ft boat there is plenty of room for 2 fisherman and an oarsmen or 2 guys and a bunch of gear. Usage in the Ozarks? There are plenty of rivers around that you can float a drifter on. NFOW, 11 Point, Niangua, James, Meramec, Current, Osage, White, Norfork, Taney, Gasconade, Big Piney just to name a few. Is it the ideal watercraft for all Ozark waters? No but in my opinion there is no perfect boat for all water. It depends on the experience you want. I prefer not having to listen to a motor, smell gas , and pay for maintenance but there are times I would like to have a motor to run back upstream or push through frogwater or escape bad weather. It's definitely a give and take situation. Where to find a used boat? I would check with all of the different manufacturers. As I mentioned above, Clacka sells used boats with a warranty. You can check their website along with Hyde, Ro, Stealthcraft, Adipose, Hog Island,and Boulder Boat Works. I would personally only buy a used boat from the manufacturer unless you know the previous owner. It's not going to be easy to find one locally, so checking it out before you purchase it is going to be tough. Most of the manufacturers will either fix any issues or be pretty upfront with you about any issues. Brand and Models? I know very little about Stealthcraft. I started rowing in a Clacka and I prefer the way they react and handle so I've stuck with them. They have always treated me well and gone out of their way to help me out. There is nothing wrong with any of the other brands I've mentioned, I just prefer the Clackas. They all make nice boats and for the most part the retail prices are similar. Layout of the interior is a very important thing to consider. Check out the amount of dry storage, rod storage, leg braces, rowers bench and it's adjustability, places for a cooler, cup holders, and anchor systems. Remember you are planning on spending your vacation and free time enjoying some fishing and a poorly laid out interior in your boat can ruin what is supposed to be a good time. Motor? I personally have never run a motor on any of mine but I have friends that do. Not all driftboats can handle a motor. You will have to have a sidemount anchor system to allow room for a motor and 9.9 hp is the max. The guys that run motors typically use them to motor through dead water or make short upstream runs. Drifters plow water and won't go upstream very well in heavy current but they can be a handy thing to have. Shuttles are usually pretty easy to find around most of the Ozark streams and for the most part are pretty affordable. It's tough to fish by yourself out of a driftboat unless you anchor up or just use it to get from point a to point b. Hopefully I've answered some of your questions. Good luck and enjoy the search. I'll PM you my number if you want to give me a call.

I have caught a lot of fish on that fly but that bottom one is by far the smallest. I'm glad it's working for ya!

The one I tied for the swap is a mash up between a hang time , double deciever, and a circus peanut. I have dubbed it the "hanging nutty deceiver" or HND for short.

I'm with you on this Ron. I have never liked it being legal. It makes no sense to outlaw "shuffling" but allow chumming. I only brought it up because I didn't want people to think that he was doing something illegal. I haven't talked to Paul personally about this catch but I heard it was a pink gulp style worm.

I have guided with Paul on some group trips and he is a good guide and fisherman. He is typically a fly fishing guide but will do some spin and bait fishing trips as well.

Chumming is only illegal in areas where bait fishing is not allowed. From AGFC Reg book... Chumming is not allowed in trout waters designated with special regulations such as catchand- release areas, artificial lures only areas and areas where natural or scented baits are prohibited. The area where he caught the fish is not a C&R section.

I'll jump in on this, if you'll have me. I believe Mr. Wise will vouch for me.

Only 5 days to showtime. Get your tickets at www.thef3t.com.

All 12 will be played. They are shortened versions made for the tour. Usually 15-17 minutes.

There are 12 films on the tour this year. Here is the link to watch the trailers for all 12. http://flyfilmtour.com/2013-films

April 6 at Ragtag Cinema in Columbia Mo Doors open at Noon and show starts at 1:00PM Tickets are $15.00 Available at www.thef3t.com

Here is the link to watch all the trailers. www.flyfilmtour.com

The show is this Saturday. There are still some tickets available. Tickets will be $12.00 at the door. See you there!

Bump! Tickets are still available.

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is coming to Columbia Mo on Saturday May 19,2012. It is being held at RagTag Cinema, Doors open at 12:00 and show starts at 1:00PM. Brought to you by Mid-Mo Trout Unlimited,Capital City Flyfishers,and The Alpine Store. Tickets are available online at www.flyfilmtour.com or you can email me at triggfly@gmail.com for tickets or more info. There will be plenty of schwag and RagTag sells beer and food. Hope to see ya there.

I would recommend Copper Johns in Lakeview Arkansas. I believe their lodge sleeps 8 and is around $200.00 per night. They also have cabins right there if you have more than 8. Ryan is the owner and a great guy to deal with. http://www.copperjohnresort.com/

I know there are several CCI's in the Kansas City area. Go to the FFF website under casting instruction and you can search for an instructor in Kansas and Missouri. Send me an email or give me a call , I will help you guys any way that I can. Jeff 573-257-1478

FLY CASTING WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY JEFF TRIGG & GARY EATON CERTIFIED CASTING INSTRUCTORS DATE JUNE 28, 2008 - SATURDAY TIME BASIC SKILLS 9 A. M. TO NOON INTERMEDIATE 1 P. M. TO 4 P. M. LIMIT OF 10 PEOPLE PER SESSION - PAY TO RESERVE SPOT TOPICS BASIC - ROLL CAST & EXPANDED USES - 5 ESSENTIALS & OVERHEAD CAST - LOOP FORMATION & CONTROL - FLAWS IN YOUR LAYOUT & HOW TO APPLY THE CURE - CHANGE CASTS FOR DIFFERENT FLIES - WORKSHOP for INDIVIDUAL NEEDS INTERMEDIATE - Must be able to cast a tight loop, accurately to 35-feet, one-handed. - ROLL CAST, HAUL, POWER & DISTANCE - POWER AND ACCURACY TO 50 FEET - MENDS & HOOKS AROUND OBSTACLES - SOFT VS STIFF RODS & APPLICATIONS - SPEY CASTS FOR ONE-HAND RODS GEAR REQUIRED FLY ROD, REEL & LINE. 6-7 weight recommended Sunglasses - MUST WEAR EYE PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES! COST THIRTY - DOLLARS PER HALF DAY LOCATION Ashland City Park Pond, ASHLAND, MiSSOURI ABOUT HALF WAY BETWEEN COLUMBIA AND JEFFERSON CITY The City Park is located at the end of N. College Street. Turn west at Ashland exit of US 63 to North College then north. The park is open to the public, restrooms on-site. Alcohol is not permitted on city property. Pay Jeff Trigg to reserve a place - limited space triggfly@gmail.com - 573 257 1478 --------------------

FLY CASTING WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY JEFF TRIGG & GARY EATON CERTIFIED CASTING INSTRUCTORS DATE JUNE 28, 2008 - SATURDAY TIME BASIC SKILLS 9 A. M. TO NOON INTERMEDIATE 1 P. M. TO 4 P. M. LIMIT OF 10 PEOPLE PER SESSION - PAY TO RESERVE SPOT TOPICS BASIC - ROLL CAST & EXPANDED USES - 5 ESSENTIALS & OVERHEAD CAST - LOOP FORMATION & CONTROL - FLAWS IN YOUR LAYOUT & HOW TO APPLY THE CURE - CHANGE CASTS FOR DIFFERENT FLIES - WORKSHOP for INDIVIDUAL NEEDS INTERMEDIATE - Must be able to cast a tight loop, accurately to 35-feet, one-handed. - ROLL CAST, HAUL, POWER & DISTANCE - POWER AND ACCURACY TO 50 FEET - MENDS & HOOKS AROUND OBSTACLES - SOFT VS STIFF RODS & APPLICATIONS - SPEY CASTS FOR ONE-HAND RODS GEAR REQUIRED FLY ROD, REEL & LINE. 6-7 weight recommended Sunglasses - MUST WEAR EYE PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES! COST THIRTY - DOLLARS PER HALF DAY LOCATION Ashland City Park Pond, ASHLAND, MiSSOURI ABOUT HALF WAY BETWEEN COLUMBIA AND JEFFERSON CITY The City Park is located at the end of N. College Street. Turn west at Ashland exit of US 63 to North College then north. The park is open to the public, restrooms on-site. Alcohol is not permitted on city property. Pay Jeff Trigg to reserve a place - limited space triggfly@gmail.com - 573 257 1478

The water is over the whistle bridge, Again........