Mitch f

That's horrible

I won't shoot, I'll just figure your either a native American who enjoys fishing, or one of the Sex Pistols.

One of my pet peeves is taking a guy fishing and then having to find a local Walmart because he doesn't have a fishing license.

Hey Smallie, I want to go with you but I'm totally booked and can't find time to tie my shoes....maybe we'll get a break soon

Hold that thought

I have no idea why you would even post this! whats the purpose?

Eric, Thanks for the follow up! All Kevin would have to do is actually fish the streams a few times to able to discern differences in the fish. I really wonder how many times and how often they perform electrofish samplings. My opinion is the samplings are very incomplete.

I work to hard to find the big fish and I'm not going to tell people on this or any forum where these spots are. I will take someone fishing and they may find out, but I am not going to put it on the web. In no time the boat ramp will be full of people and you will have to take a number to fish your favorite hole..................Eric is right, couldn't have said it better myself.

I was just talking with Zipstick the other day and we were wondering how you had time to do all these things, Al. You obviously have your paintings, seminars, a blog, blue ribbon panel,etc. and you still have time to do what you enjoy! Either I'm doing something horribly wrong or you are just great at time management.

Went over my head, sorry

I have fished the Gasconade for over 20 years and have caught a fish like that on every third trip. The fish on the Gasconade tend to be longer, thinner, have a abnormally wider tail than fish on the Meramec. Your right that the fish wasn't stunted, I should have said genetically altered. I caught a 19" fish like that 2 years ago. But I have probably caught 15-20 fish over my lifetime that looked EXACTLY like that one; all on the Gasconade.

Are you seriously suggesting that the genetically stunted fish was a direct result from catch and release?.........I don't think so

That was a beautiful fish indeed! I lost one about 19" at the boat the cast before that.

B-Man Great post, we love pictures! beautiful fish! I haven't ever tried to use a fly rod but maybe someday. There's probably only a handful of days in your fishing life like that one!

I have trouble with Fluorocarbon line sometimes breaking 30 feet from lure, but I know you weren't using fluorocarbon on a top water bait. The conventional wisdom is you shouldn't use braid or fluorocarbon line when using top water lures. However, making long casts in a small clear stream is sometimes needed. I'm thinking about using braid (Power Pro is my favorite)with a 10 or 12 lb mono leader for walking the dog baits. I use this method with a fluorocarbon leader on small jigs and cranks but never on top water with a mono leader. Anyone tried this?

I always modify my baits as well, but never a Sammy. That's the thing I like about those Japanese high dollar baits, they are tuned right out of the box. I used to buy 4 or 5 Husky jerks or Rogues before I found one that was worth modifying. Since my time is worth much more to me than anything (I'm sure yours is too)I would rather spend the money for a Lucky Craft than a Husky Jerk. Having said that, how in the heck do you modify a Sammy? Feathered treble maybe?

The only thing worse than injuring a fish, is losing a $15 Gunfish

I agree with you, BTW, how did you get bit by a copperhead?

I agree with G-Rod, except I want to catch 3 20" fish

I run an Xpress 1650 with a 60/40 Merc 2 stroke, it seems to be a perfect fit for the Meramec. I think you need a pretty wide flat hull to get across some of those shallow shoals. A thinner hull may maneuver better than a wide hull but it can't run as shallow....pick your poison.

That's awesome, What a beautiful family! I can't wait to take my Audrey on her first float trip! BTW, did you buy that jet boat?

I'm 49 and my first baby was born 9 months ago, a little cutie named Audrey. I started a bunch later than you so don't feel bad! people told me that you can't possibly experience the strongest form of love until you have your own child, I thought yea, yea, yea. They were right; I sometimes would rather read her bedtime stories than anything else.

See if he will let you take it for a test drive, I don't think the fact that it sat that long will be a problem.

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me! I don't think you'll find one any cheaper than that. I mounted my batteries up front for the weight; it seems to help. It looks like I have to go to Mexico City again next week, but I really don't want to. The altitude is 7,000 feet, and it's actually cooler there than it is in St. Louis, partly because it is their rainy season. As soon as you leave the airport though you need to cover your nose!!!!!!! We drove three hours to the city where the work was to be done. On the way we passed some of the worst living conditions I have ever seen. I would much rather be living in a tent in the woods than these houses! Once we arrived in Queretaro, it was a nice place similar to any city in the USA. I will let you know when I can go fishing, I'm looking forward to it.

You really have to careful at some of those ramps! I've had them steal my trailer plates with a 2 year sticker, I keep it in my truck now.