Bennet 6/25

[ozark trout fisher]

"Frankly, I fish 95% catch and release in the red, blue, and white ribbon areas," Same as I do and I think that its a wonderful way to fish. "when I go to a trout park, I come back with a stringer of fish." Thats why you pay your three dollars and I have no problem with that whatsoever as I do that occassionally. "If other people want to fish with flies, and catch and release, that's fine (there's even a catch and release area just for folks like you)." Not at Bennett and that is my point. I think that this would be a nice addition for a trout park, a trophy area if you would, come and see if you can snag a lunker. "I don't see why people have a problem with the way I choose to fish, and want to make 2/3 of the trout park catch and release only." I have no problem if someone wants to go to a trout park and catch and keep. NONE! But I think that MDC can do a BETTER JOB WITH WHAT THEY HAVE! Its not the average fisherman who I am concerned of, ITS THE PEOPLE WHO RUN IT! This is how people get misled, and I'm not trying to bash anyone here. I went to Bennett, had a rough day and have noticed that I have more and more rough days at bennet than I do anywhere else, including blue ribbon streams like Crane. Hey, if I can catch trout at Crane I should have an idea of how to fish a trout park. Not trying to be rude or cocky, but there is something going on at Bennett and I don't understand why. I know that stream conditions change and you have to adapt, to me this is the fun part of fly fishing. But, when I notice dead fish and less fish than normal I think it would be safe to assume that something unusual is going on at Bennett. I have all the luck in the world at Roaring, Capps, Taneycomo and at least a few fish most everytime that I go to Crane. But for the amount of fish that they are supposed to stock in Bennett I have absolutley no idea why I struggle, and notice others struggling so badly. I think that its great to go to a trout park and keep fish and there is no way on earth that I would ever want to see 2/3 of Bennett turn into catch and release only, but it would be nice if there was some section that would be catch and release. I think that it would be a great idea as obviously the amount of fish that are going to be stocked this year will be less than the amount of previous years.

Finally, I'm not tryng to make anyone feel that they should dislike Bennett or that Bennett is any less enjoyable. If you love this place, then you should keep loving it. There is something to be said for someone who can find happiness and I am no one to take that happiness away. I worry about a trout park that is only 1.5 miles long and can have up to 180,000 anglers every year. The mere pressure that this stream receives is enough to hurt the fishery, but I think that the overall atmosphere is still an enjoyable one. Travis

Interesting point of view... I thought Bennett did have c&r, I guess I was incorrect. Maybe a half mile or so in zone 1 or 2 of catch and release would be a nice compromise, maybe something like the catch and release area at Montauk, except a bit longer.

I would have no problem with such an area being in existence, and I bet most would agree.

[brittsnbirds]

I know what No Lucks secret is..he bought himself a new Winston Rod. Dang i just upgraded to a Sage, now he's got a Winston. Your tough to keep up with Rich!! Thats how your catching all those fish. However I do know that the deep water stripping is a new technique to you, and it sounds like it is paying off.

Good Job!

I'm at a point after visiting Roaring River a few weeks ago that Bennett isn't that bad off. I remember as a kid that RR was pretty good fishing. And it appeared that it was but the fish that people were keeping were small. The only decent size units were in the catch and release fly zone. But that was short lived when the "vinyl hatch" hit. I couldn't believe it they allow them to float and swim in the C&R area. That is messed up. They won't get me back and I will spend my money at good ole BSSP or Montauk!!

Pat

[NoLuck]

I know what No Lucks secret is..he bought himself a new Winston Rod. Dang i just upgraded to a Sage, now he's got a Winston. Your tough to keep up with Rich!! Thats how your catching all those fish. However I do know that the deep water stripping is a new technique to you, and it sounds like it is paying off.

Good Job!

I'm at a point after visiting Roaring River a few weeks ago that Bennett isn't that bad off. I remember as a kid that RR was pretty good fishing. And it appeared that it was but the fish that people were keeping were small. The only decent size units were in the catch and release fly zone. But that was short lived when the "vinyl hatch" hit. I couldn't believe it they allow them to float and swim in the C&R area. That is messed up. They won't get me back and I will spend my money at good ole BSSP or Montauk!!

Pat

Hey Pat,

How ya been?

That new rod didn't really help me catch all those fish other than a way to land them. But it sure makes it more enjoyable. You don't have to keep up with me, I just got some stupid money I guess. LOL I've been wanting another 3wt since I got rid of my Sage XP 386-4. So I finally went all out and bought a Winston BIIt 7'6" and an Abel Super 2 reel to go along with it. Yeah I know... I'm just plain crazy. Next time you get down I'll let you sling it around a little. Man its a sweet casting rod.

It seems like Bennett has been having its issues with people swimming in the stream and stuff too. Someone told me that they closed the pool so maybe thats the reason. Who knows. Last Saturday I was real close to doing some wet wading myself. Give me a yell when you are ready to get back down to Bennett or Montauk.314-750-1782..thats my cell number.

Rich

[brittsnbirds]

From the posts it appears that they are stocking different size fish at different times this summer people have reported in the past of catching stockers that were good size. Not having the opportunity this summer to fish BSSP as much as in the past I did not see the numbers. As far as catching fish I've done ok. I do know my techniques have changed.

Rich, you don't want me slinging that thing. I'm left handed and it may effect the way you cast. You know knock it out of calibration or something. :€.

Gonna try and hit it or Montauk sometime this month or first of August. School starts early this year.

Pat

[FishinCricket]

Thank you Travis, for that full explanation of your thoughts. I too have walked through the park recently and thought "This could be improved". I, for one, appreciate you stating your opinion and discussing it with us. I certainly ain't mad atcha, I am actually interested in kicking these ideas around. Maybe you could copy and paste your comment above into a thread and present some possible solutions? I think I have a few thoughts and ideas I can bounce back and forth, then if they are good enough maybe we can present them to the right people?

glad we can all discuss this stuff without bickering too much.

[tgard27]

Let me get them together in a more organized layout and I will post them in a new thread sometime by monday. I thought that this thread was real enjoyable in that we discussed some issues and realized that we were'nt all that far off from each other. I like Bennett and it was never my intention for anyone think that I had a hatred for MDC or Bennett Springs. I think that this place can become more proficient. Travis

[brittsnbirds]

I vote from the Holland dam up to to the spring and from the arch bridge down to the whistle bridge as C&R. That would make some impressive fishing and fish.

What do you think Rich?

[NoLuck]

I vote from the Holland dam up to to the spring and from the arch bridge down to the whistle bridge as C&R. That would make some impressive fishing and fish.

What do you think Rich?

Pat,

Although I think that would be a great idea, we both know it would never happen. Too many people fish the hole just above the Holland that keep fish for that to ever happen. I wouldn't mind if they just did it for a couple of years just until the hatchery system recovers. Bennett has been the same way since I was old enough to remember and it'll probably stay that way till I'm gone. The only people complaining are the people that can't figure out how to adapt to the fishing techniques that are required now. I'm no expert and I've made adjustments and have been pretty successful. There are a few things that could be done but, it would never happen. The way things are now seems to keep most people happy so I'll just stick with what we have.

Rich

[tgard27]

Pessimism is the number one reason why things that should be changed stay the same. Talking about ideas and kicking them around never hurt and when our tax money from licenses and tackle that is purchased in Missouri goes to this fishery then I think that we have an interest in this place that is worth listening to. I think that Bennett will be hurting financially when people realize that Taneycomo and other similar fisheries offer better fishing, can be less crowded and aren’t too much of a further drive. I tell you one thing, I’m not the greatest fly fisherman but I don’t suck either, and I have never had success at Bennett like I have at other streams and fisheries. It puzzles me that Bennett doesn’t have a C&R zone. Travis

[jdixon]

people are swimming at b-springs? I have only fished roaring river once, so do they let people swim in the park? what is a vinyl hatch? I have fished b-springs for 30yrs and never seen anyone swim, haven't been much this year but if people are swiming that is pretty crazy