eric1978

"Oh, not much. But I have big plans for later on."

The only superhero in that pic is the man on the oars. The other two are a coupla hacks.

And if you don't like it he'll smack you upside your head.

Do you mean you don't know how long they'll be available, or how quickly they'll get worn down? Have you used some? Seems like they'd grind down to a nub in no time, especially for someone like you who's in the river so much.

Not to be logical, but why was this neighbor shooting at something he couldn't identify? Around here that could result in charges against you for unlawful use of a weapon, at least. The landowner has no brains, and people need to put their guns back in their closets unless they're hunting or they hear a brick come through their window. This wild west mentality is so sophomoric, irrational, unnecessary and dangerous. Shoot first and ask questions later, right JD? Hey, it's YOUR property and this is America...it's your right! Would you be asking the same questions if Wrench's little girl wandered onto the neighbor's property wearing a tan coat and took a round in HER shoulder?

"Deal" with them? Don't take your guns to town son Leave your guns at home Bill Don't take your guns to town

You say "butt" a lot.

Yeah, I have. I have some Chacos with the Vibram soles that I used to wet wade with. Just about broke my back on the Bourbeuse in them. They were retired when our friend with the pigtails gave me those felt-soled Simms sandals...which are the shnizz.

I guess I'm okay with the ban because I trust scientists more than disgruntled anglers when it comes to matters of science...but c'mon man, let's not pretend it ain't an inconvenience. Rubber flat SUCKS. I'll buy the best boots I can find, but they still won't give you near the traction of felt, studs or no. I had some studded rubber boots a long time ago and I hated them. Slick rock or greased cannonballs and a little current? Fuggetaboudit. And a wading staff is a PITA...just another thing to fumble with and for your line to get hung up on.

Only trout waters, apparently. Yes, rubber sucks. That's life I guess.

I wonder if he caught it on balls? Guess we're lucky to not have any prehistoric man-eating dinosaur fish in these parts. As soon as smallmouth and trout start eating nutsacks, I'm out. Fortunately the biggest danger posed to Missouri fishermen can be surmounted with a helmet and face shield.

My mammary is fine, I just like making the Trout Philanderer look stoopid any chance I get. Know what I mean, Running Mouth?

You gave that story a happier ending than I remember.

No, it's not quite as impressive, KC. But it's an awesome river. Much bigger than JF and a lot more flow. But it doesn't rival the scenery on JF.

Hmmm...svelte. Interesting. Anyone ever used it? Dollars to donuts Agent Fife gives you the ticket anyway.

I'd be willing to pay for it. I hate the Vibrams.

I just wonder why someone can't come up with a non-porous alternative to felt that still keeps you from busting your arse. You know the technology is out there. I bet NASA could knock it out in twenty minutes.

It definitely won't happen with that attitude. Two wrongs don't make a right. How about we lead by example, then export the technology and get this country going again?

I believe "spring" starts in March, so...hang up the felts. I heard from a reliable source that, basically, if it's a stream with trout in it, the felt is gonna be banned there. Just what I heard, we'll see.

Great footage and editing as usual, Brian. But I can't like "Time" on ecstasy...you mess around with a song like that, you're only gonna roll downhill. Can't improve perfection.

Sorry to hear about the marriage, but the Dad part is fun.

Unfortunately, I don't think the "perfect solo canoe for Ozark streams" will be made out of wood, but it'll be a fun project for sure! I'd make it about 13ft long and as light as woodenly possible. Here's what I did with mine, just for idears. If I were building a canoe from scratch, I would probably integrate the rod and cup holders into the design instead of making them accessories.

Stop encouraging him...he doesn't need any more rods OR reels. He'll end up breaking or losing them anyway.

Since it's sad and ridiculous that climate change has been deemed TTWSNBN, I'll go ahead and post it in its original, unedited form... Dec 16, 2011 WASHINGTON — Prominent sportsmen's groups spoke out in support of measures in proposed U.S. Senate legislation that would help minimize the impacts of climate change and variability on fish and wildlife, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership announced Dec. 14. The Safeguarding America's Future and Environment (SAFE) Act, S. 1881, would require federal resource agencies to plan for the projected long-term effects of climate change and encourage states to prepare natural resources adaptation plans while ensuring that these plans are guided by the best available science. In a letter to the bill's co-sponsors, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Max Baucus, the sportsmen expressed concern about the future of hunting and angling in the face of increasing human development along with the impacts of climate change. "We strongly support legislative approaches, such as those in the SAFE Act, that recognize the reality of climate change and create the national leadership and structure to minimize its anticipated effects," said Noreen Clough, director of conservation of B.A.S.S. and signatory of the letter. "Our groups have been recommending the adoption of similar standards for fish and wildlife adaptation for years, and we urge these elements to be included in any forthcoming climate legislation." "Sportsmen are often the first to notice the impacts of our changing climate, which already is affecting where and how we hunt and fish," said Dr. Steve Williams, president of the Wildlife Management Institute, a signatory of the sportsmen's letter, and former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "We commend the science-based approach that underlies the SAFE Act, and we urge the Senate to do its part to uphold the public's hunting and angling opportunities by advancing the adaptation components of this legislation without delay." Maintaining ecosystems capable of supporting fish and wildlife populations is critical to the nation's health, economy and natural services such as flood control, water filtration and groundwater security. With each passing season, the need to develop strategies to help fish and wildlife adapt to a changing climate becomes more pressing. Guided by the members of its Climate Change Working Group, the TRCP is engaged in ensuring that the issue of climate change and fish and wildlife adaptation are properly addressed in congressional legislation. "Abundant outdoor opportunities, including hunting and fishing, are the dividends we reap when we exercise responsible management of our natural resources," said TRCP Climate Change Initiative Manager Bill Geer, "and the fish and wildlife provisions in the SAFE Act set the course for on-the-ground actions that sustain these resources and consequently our sporting traditions. Sportsmen and professional fish and wildlife managers strongly support this pragmatic approach to resource conservation."

Yeah, you're of course right technically...he didn't sign any law. But it's pretty obvious he was integral. The VP is the President of the Senate, after all.