Njardar

Thanks everyone for the great advice. The rod (actually an 8wt) was se up by Pat Ehlers' shop with 8wt bass taper, my problem is probably operator error. I'll slow down (pause between backward and forward stroke) and learn what is feels linen the rod loads up. Another good suggestion is to go with a lighter fly until I get the feel of this rod. Charlie

This weekend I got out my new to me 7wt, put on a bass fly and started casting from a dock at the lake where we were camping... and I sucked. Now granted I'm not an experienced fly fisherman, but I was a whole lot better with by 5 wt going for pan fishing. So is there a secret to casting big flies on a heavier rod? My wrist started to hurt after a few minutes and that was my first hint that I was doing something wrong like over flexing my wrist. I would appreciate any tips or tricks on casting bass flies with this rod. Even more I appreciate a lesson. Charlie

Hope the $$$$ was well aged, I once made the mistake of using stuff that was not well composted and I had every weed known to man.

Ron, great advice. I will attempt to put it to good use.

We started clearing an area for a kit greenhouse that arrived a two weeks ago. For us it is ver unusual to dig soil in February, we were even able to transplant some shrubs, but not this weekend. Time to start seeds indoors.

As long as we talk about fishing without politics, policy or felt. Charlie Oh yeah, or cougars, Alabama rigs, etc...

The nice thing about this forum is when you run into a fellow member. Nice meeting you Whiskey Joe. Charlie

Chief, before proceeding, you need to know what case law is on your side. If your lawyer can't provide you with that then you have the wrong attorney. As you probably are already aware of, you need a solid property rights/conservationist attorney. If you feel your current attorney doesn't meet these requirements then it is time to fire him. You might want to talk to one or more conservationist groups to see if they would be willing to champion the cause. Any litigation is adversarial and any litigant needs to know how solid the ground (gravel bar) is beneath their feet. I enjoy your posts because of your heart felt enthusiasm for you position. I may not always agree, but I have respect for you. Best of luck to you. Charlie

IPad compatible too.

I found one of my boys sniffing around my storage containers while I was working in the basement. He's up to something...

I'm almost afraid to ask how you found out they don't float... the dog or the hair? One of my Scottys loves the pool but because his fur absorbs water he's only got a limited number of splashes before he sinks like a rock. I really need to keep my eye on him. Charlie

Phil, Which do you need more now, a Valium or a hug? Thanks for the upgrades, I'm sure it's been difficult but worth it when all is said and done. Hang in there man! Charlie

Whenever I go to my fly tying table my two Scottish Terriers are right there with me, and while I enjoy the company the first five minutes are spent opening baggies so they can sniff feathers and hairs. Even if I'm using synthetic material the ritual is the same. Anyone else have company when tying? If so, please share your experience. Charlie

So we're all going to be sporting new boots this season and the season opener could look like a Keystone Cops movie. Rubber soles by themselves aren't an option, it seems like cleats are going to be required, but which ones? Simms has two types of star cleats and a set of studs, so which is right for Ozark rivers, or doesn't it make a difference? Any one have experience with what works? Charlie

A lot of great humor...got a good laugh from this thread. So I can't use my felt soles next year which leaves Vibram, but just the soles alone or with a stud/cleat? (I may regret that). For example Simms has two different star cleats and one stud, but which is right for Missouri rivers such as the current. (Stud?) Or, should I try one and if I bust my butt, crawl out, put in a different set and try again? (No need to reply to this question). Seriously, is there much of a difference or are they pretty much the same? Thanks!

You sir know how to live, I'm envious. Thanks for the post.

FW, great write up! I will definitely be making some. Thanks!

FW, do you know where I can get the pattern? A couple of Google searches did not turn up a recipe. Thanks!

Definitely some great suggestions to keep me busy until spring. Keep me coming... Charlie

I'm starting to tie warm water flies including large mouth bass flies and I'm looking for recommendations on what to tie. I'm already tying P Ehlers grim reaper and super worm and would appreciate any recommendations. Charlie

That sound delicious and a nice gift! I'll have to think about "gourmet" jerky.

Woodman brings up a good point, try several models and see which suits you best. Discussions on side height, length, tumble home, etc. are helpful but can be esoteric if you can't experience the differences. Charlie

Thanks for the suggestion as well, it is something I will definitely look into. Charlie

If you set up an Illinois springtime fly fishing event count me in, it would be a blast Charlie

While the location is almost perfect, it is hard to get to especially with a camper. Access from the Tan Vat side, when I came that way, had a tree blocking almost half the road, leaving just enough room to squeak by with the camper. The other access is from Montauk and there was barely enough room for two trucks to pass never mind two trucks with trailers. If improvements to the roads are made this property would be a great investment. Until then...