eric1978

My condolences, SH. Sorry for your loss.

It's microfiche, not fish. You had me going until mylar, though...good one.

You're right, Bill...I don't know anything about reservoir smallies, so I'll take your word for it. But just a question...Is it possible that the places on TR that are loaded with cover but absent of smallies would be absent of those smallies whether the cover was there or not, and the areas that currently hold smallies without cover will continue to hold smallies with cover? It's a poor argument in favor of the restoration project, I know, but I still wonder how and why it would push smallmouth from their current habitat.

My guess would be that Chief outfished him five to one last weekend, and Andy thinks the glass rod was the reason. Just messin' with ya Andy, but I'm right, right?

I'm on board with the "don't fix what ain't broken" philosophy, but I don't see how adding some cover would push smallmouth out of areas they already like for other reasons. All bass like to use cover for ambush points, and the new debris they are sinking will attract more baitfish for the smallies to feed on. Other than making hang-ups more common, what am I missing?

Not long, but I have a couple really helpful teachers (one of which just kicked me in the nads two posts ago). Wrench is the other. Those boys can tie some flies.

Guess I'll throw up some of my newbie-tied flies for all of you to laugh at.

I have a vehicle, and sometimes I even use it. You don't own the Niangua because you live near it. My state tax revenue dollars are just as green as yours.

I thought a Dutch oven was when you farted in bed and pulled the covers over your wife's head...what are you guys talking about???

Believe it or not, their intention is not to mess up your fishing, but to make it better. If you have to throw back a few fish now and then to improve your long-term results, isn't it worth it? If everyone kept every fish they caught, fishing would suck. Think big picture, oneshot.

The spots you have down there aren't invasive Greg...they've been there all along. It's just the north-flowing streams on the east side of the state where they've been historically absent until recently. Streams that flow into the MO or MS rivers are having major problems with the Asian carp. I'm sure Al will confirm that, but there's a lot of talk about it among biologists that's easy to find online. In fact, it's such a serious problem it's reached national recognition, although most of the reports you hear have more to do with the dangers they pose to boaters than the biotic communities.

Mitch wins. Geez Mitch, those are some P-I-G pigs. Those all from this year?

I think I might buy your book now, Terry.

Gotcha. So you're east coast guys then? A lot of our Ozark streams are skinny and twisty and full of obstacles, and they'll eat some rod tips. Welcome to the forum.

Yeah, I was tempted to respond to that until Ronnie pulled it out of the fire. Well done, Mr. Peacekeeper. Jello?

Looks like fast, easy access for those rods, which is great...I'm just not so sure I'd have my Loomis's hanging off the front like that for the snag monsters to gobble up.

44 west has been a disaster for...as long as I can remember. If you think that's bad, there's a stretch of highway running somewhere through Texarkana (can't remember where, been awhile) and it did that same thing for at least 50 miles...and we were pulling a bass boat on top of it. I felt like throwing up by the end of it.

I understand. I'm in the market for a decent used one...doesn't have to be perfect, just serviceable. But I probably won't be driving down to Alton to pick through the pile. Thanks anyway Brian.

They all pretty beat up or in decent shape? How old? Got any pics?

I've been there once in April, once in July, and once in February. April was best for big fish, July was best for numbers, and February was best for wearing yourself out cranking big spinnerbaits and traps...didn't do too well that time. Feb is supposed to be THE big fish month, but we had bad conditions, cold and rainy 4 straight days. Good luck on your next attempt...you'll eventually hit it just right and have the time of your life.

Current and Little Piney both have Blue running into White.

Sunfish family. Similar to a rock bass, but different genus and species.

Wow, the lake must have been in bad shape. The few times we went, we were throwing back three pounders like they were a waste of time. Glad you had a good trip though...can't win 'em all.

Okay Bman, that's enough out of you. Great fish, all three. Keep the pics coming and save some beasts for the rest of us! Another sucker for the scud?

http://imageshack.us/ You can do it at imageshack for free...no account or anything.