eric1978

With the temps the way they are this week I wouldn't be surprised to see the water temps in some rivers hit 60, and I think the smallies will be well on their way out of the deep, slack pools. I'd look for slow current in 2-6 feet of water in all the usual fishy-looking places.

For what it's worth, I always enter those conversations with the best intentions and try to remain calm, but my enthusiasm tends to get the best of me and it's hard to hold my tongue. So, you know, sorry 'bout that. I really don't have any interest in talking about politics here until it's brought up. And then it's like

Pretty sure that MO law states the public has the right to use any navigable stream. The problem we have is deciding what is navigable. I'd say the bigger waters are safe here as long as precedent holds, but the smaller streams and creeks are probably susceptible to this kind of ideology we're seeing in Utah. Not good.

Sorry BRF, but it's really naive to think that most of the 5% WORKED for what they have. It's OLD money, and most of them are born with it. You're never going to be a billionaire...why do you care how much taxes they pay? And remember, not too long ago, they were paying upwards of 90%...and that's when our economy was booming, so you can't make the argument that taxing the rich is bad for the economy. What's bad for the economy is when the vast majority of consumers don't have enough money to consume, and the few people with all the money have it all tied up in stocks, bonds and off-shore accounts. I'm sure you agree.

Facts? That was an editorial my friend. I skimmed it even though my eyes glazed over when I saw "heritage.org." I'm sure if I had the energy or the inclination, or if I thought you would even read it, I could scrape up some liberal propaganda on the subject to counter your conservative propaganda. But what's the point?

Yep. Well said and unfortunately oh so true. And that's why I think politicians should face life imprisonment for being caught speaking to or cavorting with ANY lobbyist. They should also be prohibited for life from joining the private sector after they've been elected to public office. It should be a lifetime commitment to public service, without any fraternizing with the private sector. If these politicians really cared about the well-being of average Americans (most don't), they would be perfectly content serving the public for an average wage for the rest of their lives...If they don't want that, someone else will. As it stands right now, you take huge donations to run a campaign (bribes), then once in office you pass legislation in favor of those who donated to your campaign (payoff), then finally you retire from public service and get some pre-established, high-paying private sector "job" from the people you've been making back-room deals with for years (collusion). That's democracy alright.

You should get a massage or take a Xanax or something.

I support unions even though I'm not in one. I always buy American if the product is comparable in price and quality to a foreign one. I think our economy's greatest problem is that we manufacture almost nothing here anymore because big corporations export the labor to places where they can exploit the desperate situation those people are in. Until we open the factories back up and start making things again, paying workers livable wages and begin rebuilding the middle class (like we did in the 40s and 50s), our country will continue to slide into inferiority. The top 5% richest Americans own 95% of the wealth. Greed is killing our country.

I'm not by any standards an expert on this kind of thing, but my gut instinct is that most people like to vacation on the water, or at least within sight of it, and not so much a mile away from it. You could probably get some fishermen to rent it now and then, but I wouldn't expect too many families to be interested. Of course I don't know anything. Good luck.

Yep, minnows. Lotsa minnows...and other baitfish.

We're in the same boat...pun intended. At least they're there when the kiddies are old enough to float.

That SUCKS! That was a nice boat, too. Hope it was insured. Best deterent is to park the '57 Chevy in front of the thing if your driveway is long enough.

Not sure about the fishing, but yep, the scenery is breathtaking. If the fish aren't biting, you'll be plenty content just sitting on a rock somewhere. The Smokies are awesome.

Plus if Cricket was with you, the three of you would have wound up stripped down to bra and panties in a tickle fight.

That's the deal of the century right there. You almost have to buy one at that price.

Yep, two feet longer and it would be perfect...of course it wouldn't be $400 anymore, either. I also wish it was Royalex, but again that would raise the pricetag considerably. The molded seat isn't bad if you drop the rear of it a couple inches. Mine's quite comfortable after some mods. It's a good bargain canoe for those on a budget...like me.

Hey, if Harrison Ford survived that fall in The Fugitive, anything is possible. Seriously though, there's just no way that smallie Phil caught flopped over the dam and fell into Taney. That fish was a pig and gravity would have wreaked havoc on his internal organs...and even if it didn't he'd probably stroke out from the stress. I guess there's no way to prove he didn't come over from TR, but man, I really don't think so. I could accept the argument that some fry or even fingerlings could wash over and survive, but that big boy? Doubt it. Very nice fish by the way Phil.

I concur. Not the BEST solo, but hard to beat for $400. I love mine.

Shut up Cricket. I hate you. Jerk. Idiot. How ya feel about that?

I doubt that.

I've been wanting a 7 or 8wt and if I had the money for one right now I'd make you an offer. I think they are great rods for the price.

Hate to tell ya...those are on Ebay brand new for less than what you're asking. So in case you wonder why you don't get any bites here...just thought you might want to know. They discontinued the Launch line and they got pretty cheap. I like mine.

Not progressive enough, but better than nothing. I'll leave it at that since Phil's got his finger on the button.

I understand what you're saying man, I just kinda can't agree with that philosophy...and I'm pretty sure MDC won't either. But good luck anyway. I do think it would be a blast to have a power-plant lake full of huge FLs.