eric1978

Hey Alberto, You don't need a guide to fish in the Ozarks unless you want to fish on a large lake in a boat. Since you're not rich like most of us, I would recommend fishing some small streams, which we have plenty of. You can wade or float many small streams, and will only cost you the price of a fishing license and the rental cost for a canoe if you choose to float. You can catch trout in many of our streams, and bass in all of them along with many other species. Many streams have smallmouth bass, which I highly recommend trying. Get yourself a good map of MO, keep reading this forum and check out the Missouri Department of Conservation website. In bocca al lupo!

We'll never agree on the CC stuff jd, but that 6906 is a sweet little 9. Very cool. Wish I had that instead of my Ruger.

In all honesty, if I were to do it again, I'd probably just put in a wicker seat and a sitbacker. I was just being cheap and didn't want to spend the extra money, and that's why I still have the original seat. After the adjustments, the "sliding off" problem is no more, and it's really quite comfortable. I have more padding than you though, Joe, and my tailbone is fine. I've spent a good 8 hours in it, and I've been plenty comfortable. My back gets a little tweaked after awhile, but that's not the seat, it's just the sitting. The wicker would certainly be a much easier modification. Totally. I keep one rod handy on the rod holder, and the others resting on the thwarts on the opposite side.

Nah, you just need to move it. I put mine forward several inches and raised it several inches, and also adjusted it so the front is slightly higher than the back so your butt doesn't keep sliding off.

Are you wanting a solo? If so, I love my OT Guide 119 for the price, and others will recommend the Wenonah Vagabond for about twice as much.

Well said, Buzz. I hope everyone feels safe now with their 44s strapped to them. I've never been in a situation in a NP when I felt I needed a firearm. I am neither supportive nor opposed to the decision, but I have to say I don't feel any safer knowing any nutjob I encounter out there could be legally carrying a weapon. I don't trust guys who think they are Rambo.

Gotta wonder how many fish are even left in there at this point. I'd say it's been pretty thinned out by now.

Amen, Brother. If they cared about our well-being, tobacco would be outlawed. I've got about 72 hours under my belt and every person I encounter I want to rip their faces off with my bare hands. I've been chewing that nasty gum and it curbs my severe cravings long enough to not kill someone. I've done this part many times. It's the long term commitment I have real trouble with. Anyway, this time I'm for real. Can't smoke anymore. I went for a jog tonight (probably too early for that), only did about a mile and I thought my lungs were going to explode. I hate cigarettes.

Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose, Gavin? Most of my break-offs with mono and flouro go at the knot or just above the knot from abrasions from their teeth or cover they dive into when hooked. I honestly haven't noticed any decrease in strikes with braid, although I do tend to fish faster moving baits, so that may be a factor. I have noticed a decrease in lost fish, though...that would be ZERO. I can see the leader on braid being beneficial under a few conditions, such as fishing a slow moving bait in gin clear water, but usually I find that braid tied directly to lure works fine for me. I didn't use any mono or flouro last year. Power Pro is awesome stuff, but it is a nightmare if you backlash.

Yeah, I couldn't imagine how they could make a cig taste any worse, but they've accomplished it. Those FSCs are terrible. My quit date is Sunday, so I'll be joining you boys in the fight. Hang tough.

Sure, it's a slaughter. But that doesn't mean it really bothers me...those fish will be replaced with a quickness. It's the people that act like they HAVE to be there when it opens and HAVE to take a limit home that make me scratch my head. Who likes fishing in crowds? And don't they sell fish at the grocery store? Last I heard, trout was pretty cheap. I just don't get the sense of urgency some people are struck with.

Haven't been out in a few days. Pat was there I think Friday and he said it was the same ol' story....lots of ice and anglers, very little room to fish. I gotta imagine it hasn't improved since then and won't be improving anytime soon.

I don't see too many walking around checking for licenses or whatever, but I see them driving around quite a bit.

Well done, Brian. You guys produce some killer material.

Careful there. That's how my recidivism always starts. Next thing you know you'll have a pack in your pocket in preparation for those "social" cigs so you don't feel like a mooch, then you're back altogether. That's thin ice territory if you ask me, but I know how hard it is to avoid.

You can't see my hole because it's right next to the bank. Someone else was kind enough to leave it for me. I'm not above making a desperation hole, I'm just not crazy enough to walk on two inches of ice.

I don't know what you're talking about.

I'm gonna find out where you live and handcuff myself to your boat until your next trip. Nice looking fish!

The next time I bump into an agent out there, I'll ask because I'm really curious. I bet FG is right that it has something to do with the mussels. It obviously isn't a liability issue.

I have no idea, but I don't like it. They have jonboats out on a number of the lakes, and you can rent them for $5. I'd much rather just take out my solo. I don't see what harm a canoe would do. I've never been able to get an explanation, other than you just can't. I always wondered about Dardenne Creek (that's how I've seen it spelled...are we talking about the same creek?...meanders north and joins the Missouri north of I-70?) A stretch of it is basically across the street from my house, and I've thought about wading it a little in the summer just to play around. I'd say I'm a good 15-20 miles upstream from the Missouri, and I'm guessing there are some bass in there (probably nothing giant). It's usually pretty murky, but during low water it gets kinda neat looking and just screams largemouth.

I just wish I could put my canoe in the lakes out there...that would be a game-changer. I don't see why you can't when you're allowed to take their jon boats out with trolling motors.

I think you got me confused with someone else, Chief...I don't know squat about Bennett. I'm sure Wrench and PC would be happy to show you around though.

I've never targeted them specifically, but I've caught a few on accident. I don't think the populations of any species are doing that great out there, but I bet there are some good gills on the C&R only lakes. Nothing like your secret gill hole, though, that much I'm sure of.

I'm always willing to admit when I'm wrong, and this is one of those times. I was totally against the program before I got a fly rod, and while I still contend there's no comparison between the Busch Mudpuddles and a running river (call me a snob, I don't care), I have to admit that I do enjoy going out to BW for a couple hours and getting my fix with a few stockers. It's about 15 minutes from home and it's nice to feel the pull of a fish while practicing my casting. However, if I had a river equidistant from Busch, you'd probably never see me at Busch. But it is a pretty good deal for those of us not fortunate enough to live near one.

It's hardly urban, but I get your point. I still think the fish would manage just fine through March though, warm days or not. The water temp won't rise to intolerable levels until well after then. Oxygen levels may be another consideration, but I still think they'd be okay. I'm not lamenting the harvest of the fish...just being sarcastic. I'm well aware that they have to be taken out of there, and I have no problem with it. I just think it's comical watching some of those people going to such great lengths for a fish dinner. They act like it's a gold rush or something. I wondered about liability issues, too, but just because MDC puts some fish in a lake doesn't mean they forced anyone to do something stupid like walk on thin ice. What if someone fell through on an unstocked lake? Who's responsible then? I'd say they're safe with an "at your own risk" philosophy.