Mitch f

Keep in mind, he might only have 3 hooks on the baits

Take it easy, I read the petition...tournament or not, I don't see the big deal, if you feel it gives you an unfair advantage in a tourney, then use one too! Like feathers says it opens the door for other things you may not want. PETA wants to get rid of evil bass tourneys anyway. Besides your LeFebre quote wasnt about tourney fishing

Did it make him keep more fish than the limit? I think not

In Missouri you can only use 3 hooks on one, in other states more. I personally don't see what the big deal is, why is it so wrong?

Great pics Gavin, your kids are having fun!

Love the "Feeding Minnows" pic, I've tied a hair jig in the past that resembles that pattern. Also, love theTitleist hat! I wear mine when fishing too! When people ask, "Why do you wear your golf hat?" I tell them i'm still looking for my ball!

For what it's worth, be careful eating fish out of the Meramec too often, especially if you are a pregnant woman or nursing (MDC said so). The Route 66 park area has signs posted near the river in some spots.

You officially sound like Chris Matthews now!

try this link: http://www.missourimuskies.org/Stocking%20Info.htm

Pete, why don't you chip in with a couple of guys and buy a boat, then you can fish your 6-7 times a year? If they aren't generating then you can wade. Doesnt have to be a jet drive, just a drift boat perhaps. I wouldn't let the lack of control over the generation schedules ruin the thing you love.

It was a Joke! It was a Joke!

I can't stand too much smoke in the house during the fish fry, I'm just wondering if the temp/smoke is too hard to control with the cast iron? When the mother in law stir fries sometimes I have to leave the doors open in the middle of the winter!

Be careful, I heard they have some wierd initiation ceremony

Looks like fun! So I guess Cricket gets the big fish prize?

Anyone can attend

Even being able to hook a fish that big means you did your job fooling the fish! Well Done!

No room in my skillet for smallies, the easily fooled german browns take up all the room! :)

So many great ideas, thanks! I'm also looking to purchase a deep fryer from Emeril Lagasse with a device that filters your oil after your fish fry. I've always wanted a deep fryer but didn't buy one because I was always afraid of using it too much! Not good for the ticker ya know. Moderation is the key. The peanut oil and the panko crumbs sound pretty cool and believe it or not have never used straight corn meal before. I also think I don't pepper the crumbs as much as I should. Every week I go to the chinese market to pick up supplies; I've seen at least 20 or so style of hot sauce there...I've tried most and agree that this is the final key ingredient for the fish. That market is unbelieveable, they have grouper heads (gigantic)and other fish heads you can purchase for cutting up and making soup I guess. As many wierd fish as you can find anywhere. They also have live Craws (seasonal), this is where I got the craw to use for making the craw lure. Also, as I have posted before on this forum but they sell largemouth bass legally. On the weekend it is pure chaos in that place, and a smell not soon forgotten!

Was thinking tonight of different types of breading for frying fish. I know everyone has their own favorite recipes for frying fish and wanted to know what your favorites are. A guy once told me for stripers and whites to cut all the brown meat out, (which I already knew) then soak the fillets in regular French's mustard, then dip them in your favorite breading before frying. He claimed it will be the best I ever had. Had another guy tell me to grind up chinese chow mein noodles to a fine powder then dip the fillets in before frying. He also said you'll never find anything better! Just curious what your recipes are...

I love the golf analogy

Just sell a few more Chevys and you can get a kitchen pass!!

The special part of that story to me was the fact you got to spend it with your brother. The only time I ever caught that many smallies was on the Gasconade on labor day with my brother as well, or on the Menominee river. The fact they were mostly on topwater is even more special! I know the topwater is always your first choice in the summer. I'm mainly a jig fisherman like your brother but I usually only fish topwater until 9:00 or 10:00 o'clock, unless I never have a reason to put it down. It sounds like that was one of those days! DON'T TELL HIM AL!!! :)

Lucky Craft pointer 65, or for a shallow riffle Yozuri Pins minnow

The Missouri Smallmouth Alliance turns 20 years old this year! They are celebrating by having a long time member, renowned wildlife artist, and veteran smallmouth angler Al Agnew as their featured speaker! The topic will be "The Changes in 50 Years of River Smallie Fishing" When: Wednesday January 18th , doors open at 6:30 pm, meeting starts at 7:00pm Where: MDC's Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood. 11715 Cragwold, off Watson Road, just east of intersection of 1-270 and I-44 Sounds like a good time!! We always have a lot of fishing chit chat after the meeting!

Anytime there is a report of castrated pale young boys, Jeremy Wade will be there.